For patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome and no median nerve damage on electrodiagnostic studies, conservative treatment is the standard first approach. When that treatment fails to deliver durable symptom control, a structured next step is warranted.
Mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed on electrodiagnostic studies, with no median nerve damage identified. In mild to moderate cases, a trial of conservative treatment is recommended before proceeding to further management.
Prior management with a local corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel, or with oral prednisone, did not achieve the expected duration of symptom relief: the target was improvement lasting from 10 weeks up to more than one year with corticosteroid injection, or improvement lasting up to eight weeks with oral prednisone. This protocol addresses the appropriate next step after that insufficient or short-lived response.
Management at this stage involves a surgical approach to directly address the carpal tunnel. Two established operative techniques exist, each with a distinct recovery profile — the full protocol specifies the options and what to expect at each stage.
Significant improvement in hand symptoms within one week, with return to normal hand activities within two weeks.