Does a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis Require Surgery?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) causes nagging pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand. It occurs when the median nerve that runs through your hand becomes compressed. In many cases, CTS gets better with conservative treatment. However, surgery is often necessary when pain is severe and persistent despite nonsurgical approaches to manage it. 

Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center offer expert care for patients with hand and wrist conditions. With locations in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada, our team includes certified physician assistants who provide comprehensive diagnostics, conservative treatments, and surgical solutions. 

If carpal tunnel syndrome affects your daily life, it’s wise to consider a range of treatment options and discuss whether surgery may be the appropriate option for you. 

When is surgery needed for carpal tunnel syndrome?

For many patients, carpal tunnel syndrome doesn’t require surgery. Most cases of CTS are mild to moderate. Early intervention can prevent further nerve damage and may eliminate the need for surgery.

Conservative treatments that work

Several nonsurgical options can reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore hand strength. Our orthopedic team may recommend:

• Wrist splinting
• Activity modification 
• Physical therapy and stretching exercises 
• Anti-inflammatory medications 
• Corticosteroid injections 

For many patients, combining these treatments brings long-term relief, especially when started early.

When is surgery the best option?

If symptoms persist or worsen despite conservative treatments, surgery may be the most effective way to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Our providers, Arthur Taylor, MD, Kevin A. Laroche, MD, and Kevin (Kayvon) R. Golshani, MD, specialize in hand and wrist care and may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery if you experience:

• Constant numbness or tingling
• Weakness in the hand 
• Pain that disrupts daily activities
• Muscle atrophy in the hand 

Carpal tunnel surgery relieves pressure on the median nerve. Our orthopedic surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, which involve smaller incisions and often result in faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort.

Find the right treatment for your hands

If CTS symptoms interfere with your daily life, contact us at 702-878-0393 to schedule a consultation at our Henderson or Las Vegas location, or request an appointment online through our website today. Relief from carpal tunnel pain is possible!