Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What is the Prognosis?

What is the usual course?

What is the time to return to moderate activity?

What is the time to return to full activity?

Will a NSAID (i.e. Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleeve, Motrin, etc.) help?

Good

Night splinting, median nerve gliding exercises, activity changes. Steroid injections are controversial.

1-2 months

3 months

Yes

Will I need therapy?

Maybe

What is the chance I need surgery?

Moderate

What are the reasons I should seek a surgical evaluation?

If severe symptoms, moderate to severely abnormal nerve study, signs of atrophy, failure of nonoperative treatment after 6 months of treatment