Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery in Houston, TX
For 1% to 5% of the U.S. population, simple tasks like holding a coffee cup, typing an email, or sleeping through the night become painful due to carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers from pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.
When symptoms interfere with daily activities and no longer respond to nonsurgical care, carpal tunnel release surgery can provide lasting relief and improved hand function.
Omar S. Dimachkieh, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who helps patients regain comfortable use of their hands by performing carpal tunnel release surgery in Houston, TX. Call our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and When Is Surgery Recommended?
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist. Swelling of surrounding tissues, repetitive hand use, wrist anatomy, or medical conditions such as diabetes can increase pressure on the nerve.
At first, you might feel some tingling or numbness in your thumb, index, and middle fingers. If it gets worse, you could notice weakness, clumsiness, or pain in your hand.
Carpal tunnel surgery is usually recommended when symptoms continue even after trying bracing, activity changes, anti-inflammatory treatment, or injections. Nerve tests and a medical exam help confirm the diagnosis and decide if surgery is the right choice.
How Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Works to Relieve Nerve Pressure
Carpal tunnel release surgery focuses on cutting the transverse carpal ligament, which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel. Releasing this ligament creates more space for the median nerve and reduces pressure within the tunnel.
Once decompressed, the nerve can begin to recover, allowing symptoms such as numbness and nighttime pain to gradually improve.
The carpal tunnel surgery at our Houston clinic is commonly performed on an outpatient basis and does not require an overnight stay. Most patients return home the same day with a bandaged wrist and clear recovery instructions from our surgeon.
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Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Options
Open Carpal Tunnel Release
This is the traditional method. A small incision is made in the palm of your hand. Through this opening, our surgeon can directly see and divide the ligament to relieve pressure on the nerve. This approach offers excellent visibility and is a highly reliable technique with a long history of success.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
For this minimally invasive option, our Houston carpal tunnel surgeon makes one or two very small incisions, often in the wrist crease. A tiny camera (endoscope) is inserted to guide the surgery. The same ligament is then divided using specialized instruments.
Carpal tunnel endoscopic surgery may offer the potential for a quicker initial recovery with less post-operative discomfort for some patients. Dr. Omar will discuss which technique is better suited for your anatomy and lifestyle.
What Recovery Looks Like After Carpal Tunnel Surgery
After carpal tunnel surgery, mild swelling and soreness are expected during the early healing phase. Finger movement is encouraged soon after the procedure to reduce stiffness.
Many patients who undergo carpal tunnel release surgery at our clinic in Houston notice improvement in nighttime numbness within days, while strength and sensation continue to recover over several weeks.
Most people resume light activities within 1-2 weeks. Jobs that involve heavy lifting or repetitive wrist motion may require additional healing time. Follow-up visits help track progress and guide a safe return to normal hand use.
What Patients Are Saying
Patients across Houston trust Dr. Omar for expert care, clear communication, and exceptional results.
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Call Now to Schedule Your Consultation!
If your symptoms are affecting daily activities and conservative care has not provided relief, contact our office at (713) 794-3463 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Omar S. Dimachkieh, MD.
A thorough evaluation can help determine whether carpal tunnel release surgery in Houston, TX, is the right next step for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear Answers to Help You Feel Informed and Confident
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
Most people return to light, everyday activities within a few days. Full recovery, including the return of normal grip strength, typically takes 6 to 12 weeks. Your specific timeline depends on the type of work you do and which surgical technique was used.
Will I Have a Scar After the Surgery?
Yes, all surgeries leave a scar. With open surgery, the scar is located on the palm. With endoscopic surgery, the scar(s) are very small and located in the wrist crease. Scars generally fade significantly over time and become much less noticeable.
Is Carpal Tunnel Surgery Painful?
You should not feel pain during the procedure due to anesthesia. After surgery, it is common to have some soreness, swelling, or discomfort around the incision, which can be managed with medication.
What Happens if Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is Not Treated?
Without treatment, symptoms can worsen. Prolonged, severe pressure on the median nerve can lead to permanent numbness, weakness, and loss of coordination in the hand. This is why it is important to seek evaluation if symptoms are persistent.
How Long Does Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Take?
The carpal tunnel release procedure at our Houston clinic typically takes 15 – 30 minutes per hand and is performed on an outpatient basis.
Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Come Back After Surgery?
Recurrence is uncommon. Most patients experience long-term symptom relief after successful carpal tunnel release surgery.