Carpal tunnel surgery Perth
Carpal tunnel syndrome: Numbness or hand pain? It might be nerve compression
Consulting at
Murdoch
[All surgeons]
Wexford Medical Centre
Suite 13
3 Barry Marshall Pde
Murdoch WA 6150
Nedlands
[Dr O’Beirne & Dr Hardisty]
Hollywood Medical Centre
Suite 37
85 Monash Avenue
Nedlands WA 6008
Joondalup
[Dr Ghoshal]
Joondalup Health Campus
Suite 17, Specialist Medical Centre (East), 60 Shenton Avenue
Joondalup WA 6027
- Contact us
- 08 6166 3778
At Western Orthopaedic Clinic in Perth, we help you understand what’s happening. If hand surgery is recommended, Dr Alex O’Beirne will explain the reason for it, what happens next, and what recovery may look like for you.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the hand and wrist.It happens when a nerve in your wrist (the median nerve) gets compressed as it passes through a tight space called the carpal tunnel.
This nerve is responsible for sensation in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger. It also helps control some of the small muscles that allow your thumb to move and grip properly.
The carpal tunnel is surrounded by bone on the bottom and a strong ligament on top. There is very little room for swelling. When the tendons inside the tunnel become irritated or inflamed, pressure builds up. That pressure squeezes the nerve, which leads to symptoms.
Common carpal tunnel symptoms include:
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers
- A burning or electric sensation in the hand
- Weak grip or dropping objects
- Clumsiness when doing fine tasks
- Pain that may travel into the forearm
- Symptoms that are worse at night or first thing in the morning
Symptoms often start gradually. Many people notice they shake their hand at night to relieve the tingling. Over time, your symptoms may become more constant and strength can be affected if the nerve remains compressed.
Who is most at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is common and can happen at any age. Some people are more likely to get it because of how their wrist is built, or because they use their hands a lot.
You may be more likely to develop carpal tunnel syndrome if you:
- Use your hands repeatedly for work or hobbies such as typing, tools, sewing, or music
- Are pregnant or experience fluid retention
- Have diabetes, thyroid disease, arthritis, or inflammatory conditions
- Have had a wrist injury in the past
- Are over the age of 50
- Have a family history of nerve compression conditions
In many cases, there is no single cause. It is often a combination of anatomy, activity, and health factors. What matters most is recognising the symptoms early and getting the nerve checked before permanent damage occurs.
How is carpal tunnel diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed history, physical examination, and nerve testing.
At Western Orthopaedic Clinic, assessment includes:
- Sensory testing of the fingers
- Grip and pinch strength testing
- Specific wrist and hand movements that trigger symptoms
If we think it might be carpal tunnel syndrome, we’ll usually organise a nerve conduction study. It’s a test that checks how well the nerve is working by measuring how fast signals travel through it. If the nerve is being compressed at the wrist, those signals slow down. The results help show how severe it is and whether surgery is likely to help.
In more complex cases, ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to rule out other causes such as a wrist cyst, tendon injury, or arthritis.
FAQ: What’s the difference between carpal tunnel and arthritis?
It’s easy to confuse carpal tunnel syndrome with arthritis, especially if you feel discomfort in your hands. But these are different conditions that require different treatments.
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the nerve inside the wrist and often causes:
- Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Symptoms that are worse at night or after activity
- Weakness when gripping or holding items
Arthritis affects the joints and typically causes:
- Deep aching or stiffness in the fingers or thumb base
- Swelling or bony changes around the knuckles
- Pain that improves with movement, then worsens later in the day
Carpal tunnel surgery Perth
Carpal tunnel treatment options
Some hand symptoms improve on their own, especially if caused by temporary swelling or overuse. But it’s time to see a hand specialist if:
- Numbness or tingling has become frequent or constant
- You’ve tried splints, rest, or activity changes with little improvement
- Your grip strength has reduced or fine hand control is affected
- You’re waking regularly at night due to discomfort
Non-surgical carpal tunnel treatment
Non-surgical treatment can work well when symptoms are mild or have only just started. The goal is to take pressure off the nerve and stop things from getting worse.
Non-surgical treatment options may include:
- Wearing a wrist splint at night to keep the wrist in a neutral position
- Activity changes to reduce repetitive strain on the hand and wrist
- Hand therapy to improve movement, strength, and help the nerve move more freely
- Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling
- A cortisone injection to settle inflammation around the nerve
These treatments are often tried first and can provide good relief. Progress is reviewed over time to decide whether further treatment is needed.
What does carpal tunnel surgery involve?
When symptoms are persistent or affecting hand strength and nerve function, carpal tunnel release surgery may be the best option.
It is a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic. The tight ligament forming the roof of the carpal tunnel is carefully released to make space for the nerve.
The procedure:
- Takes around 20 to 30 minutes
- Involves a small incision in the palm
Requires minimal downtime - Can be performed as a day case
After carpal tunnel release surgery, the nerve is no longer compressed and can begin to recover. Most people regain hand comfort and strength over the following weeks.
How should I prepare for carpal tunnel surgery?
Carpal tunnel release is a straightforward procedure, but a little preparation can go a long way in making recovery easier.
Here are some helpful steps:
- Take time off work, especially if your job involves manual tasks
- Set up your home so that daily activities don’t strain the healing hand
- Arrange help with driving, cooking, or child care for the first few days
- Avoid using hand creams or shaving near the wrist in the days before surgery
- Follow any pre-operative instructions given by the clinic or anaesthetist
You won’t need to stay overnight, but having someone available to help for the first 24 hours is often reassuring. Dr Alex O’Beirne and his team will walk you through each step of recovery so you know exactly what to expect.
What should you expect post-surgery?
Recovery after carpal tunnel surgery is usually quick, though it depends on how long the nerve was compressed beforehand.
In general:
- Most people return to light activity in 5 to 7 days
- Driving is often possible after 2 weeks
- Full strength returns within 6 weeks
- Scar sensitivity or tightness may take a few weeks to settle
Scar care, stretching and gentle strengthening exercises may be recommended during follow-up visits. Dr O’Beirne works closely with hand therapists in Perth to support recovery.
Dr Alex O’Beirne | Hand Surgeon Perth
Western Orthopaedic Clinic for carpal tunnel release
Dr Alex O’Beirne is a specialist in hand, wrist, and nerve conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome. His patient-centred approach means care is tailored to the severity of symptoms and your personal needs. The focus is always on restoring hand function, comfort, and confidence.
If your hand is tingling, feeling weak, or waking you up at night, it may be time to get it checked. Getting advice early can help prevent long-term nerve damage and get you back to the things you enjoy.
Dr Alex O’Beirne consults at two convenient Perth locations: Wexford Medical Centre in Murdoch and Hollywood Medical Centre in Nedlands.
