The most frequent complaint is numbness and tingling of the palmar surface of any of the five digits, except for the little finger. Occasionally, an accompanying pain radiates into the forearm. Symptoms often first appear, or worsen, at night because of normal fluid shifting to the extremities, and normal wrist flexion during sleep. However, most cases will recur if the cause of the nerve compression persists. Unless significant improvement is noted early in the treatment phase, non-operative treatment may not be successful.
Surgery is usually the treatment of choice for classic carpal tunnel syndrome.
By performing these procedures, it is possible to decrease the pressure on the nerve and to relieve the symptoms. Outpatient surgery, local anesthesia, and an incision limited to the proximal palm comprise the normal surgical approach today. Following surgery, while the complete relief of the nerve compression symptoms may be immediate, it often may take up to three months. Unfortunately, it is possible for the nerve to suffer permanent damage as the carpal tunnel syndrome develops. If this happens, then the likelihood of persistent symptoms, even after surgery, is greater.