Arthritis in the hand can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, making everyday tasks challenging. Osteoarthritis leads to cartilage breakdown, while rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the joint lining. When non-surgical treatments like medication and therapy no longer help, hand surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and restore function.

Hand arthritis surgery options include joint fusion, which fuses the bones together to eliminate pain but limits movement; joint replacement, where a damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one for pain relief and improved function; and tendon or ligament repairs to stabilize the joint and prevent deformities. Each option aims to address pain, improve function, and prevent further joint damage.

The main benefit of surgery is significant pain relief and improved hand function, allowing patients to return to daily activities with less difficulty. For those with severe deformities or instability, surgery can realign the joint, reduce further damage, and prevent complications, enhancing overall hand function and independence.

While surgery carries risks like infection or nerve damage, the long-term benefits—improved mobility and pain relief—often outweigh these concerns. With proper rehabilitation and physical therapy, most patients experience a significant improvement in hand function and quality of life after surgery.

Carpal tunnel release surgery is the most common procedure used to treat this condition. During the surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the wrist and cuts the ligament that is pressing on the median nerve. This procedure increases the size of the carpal tunnel, relieving the pressure on the nerve and allowing it to function normally again. It can be done through open surgery or minimally invasive endoscopic methods, depending on the surgeon’s preference and the patient’s condition.

Minimally invasive approaches for endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) are designed to relieve pressure on the median nerve by dividing the transverse carpal ligament through a small incision or portal. These techniques aim to reduce recovery time, scarring, and postoperative discomfort compared to open surgery. 

The primary benefit of carpal tunnel surgery is the significant relief of symptoms, particularly pain, tingling, and numbness. Most patients experience a reduction in discomfort and improved hand function after surgery, allowing them to return to daily activities like typing, writing, or lifting without limitations. Surgery also helps prevent long-term nerve damage, which can lead to permanent weakness or atrophy of the hand muscles if left untreated.

While surgery carries some risks, such as infection or nerve injury, it is generally considered highly effective, with most patients experiencing substantial improvement in symptoms and quality of life. The recovery process typically takes a few weeks, with physical therapy often recommended to strengthen the hand and improve flexibility. For many people, carpal tunnel surgery provides a lasting solution, restoring hand function and preventing future complications.