HANDS
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Beirut, Qatar, Dubai & London by Expert Hand Surgeon Dr Ali Soueid
Carpal Tunnel
Quick Summary
Relieve Numbness with Expert Carpal Tunnel Care
If you’re experiencing tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hand, you may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — a common nerve compression condition that worsens over time.
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Dr Ali Soueid is a UK Certified & Trained Plastic Surgeon
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We only use the best safest techniques and best material on the market
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We use evidence based practices to improve outcomes.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This narrow passageway contains tendons and the median nerve, which controls sensation and movement in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.
When the tunnel becomes narrowed due to inflammation, repetitive motion, pregnancy, or medical conditions like diabetes or hypothyroidism, the pressure on the median nerve can cause tingling, numbness, pain, and hand weakness. Symptoms often worsen at night or with activities that involve bending the wrist, such as driving or typing.
If left untreated, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage and muscle wasting in the hand. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preserving hand function and comfort.
| Symptoms | Possible Causes |
|---|---|
| Tingling or numbness in thumb, index, and middle fingers | Repetitive wrist movements (e.g. typing, assembly work) |
| Hand weakness or clumsiness | Prolonged wrist positioning (e.g. sleeping with bent wrists) |
| Pain radiating to forearm or shoulder | Pregnancy or fluid retention |
| Dropping objects due to poor grip | Diabetes or thyroid disorders |
| Night-time symptoms that disturb sleep | Wrist trauma or fractures |
| Reduced sensitivity to touch or temperature | Inflammatory conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) |
Grades of
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Persistent Symptoms Despite Conservative Measures
Patients who continue to experience numbness, tingling, or pain in the hand and wrist after trying non-surgical treatments—such as splinting, activity modification, or anti-inflammatory medications—may be good candidates for further intervention. If symptoms interfere with sleep or daily tasks like typing or gripping, specialist assessment is recommended.
Evidence of Nerve Compression on Testing
Electrodiagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) can confirm the presence and severity of median nerve compression. Candidates with moderate to severe findings may benefit from corticosteroid injections or surgical release, especially if there is nerve damage or muscle wasting.
Worsening Function or Hand Weakness
Individuals noticing reduced grip strength, frequent dropping of objects, or visible wasting of the thumb muscles are often considered urgent candidates for surgery. Early intervention in such cases can prevent permanent nerve damage and restore hand function.
Who is a good candidate?
Before undergoing Carpal Tunnel Release, a thorough consultation is carried out. Here’s what we evaluate:
Finger Examination
Medical History
Expectations
What are the
Benefits of Trigger Finger Release
Relief from Pain and Numbness
Treatment—whether conservative or surgical—can significantly reduce or eliminate the discomfort, tingling, and numbness that often disrupt sleep and daily tasks. Early intervention helps restore normal sensation to the hand and fingers.
Improved Hand Strength and Function
Successful treatment allows patients to regain grip strength, reduce clumsiness, and perform fine motor tasks more effectively. This is especially beneficial for individuals whose work or hobbies rely on precise hand movements.
Prevention of Permanent Nerve Damage
Left untreated, prolonged compression of the median nerve can lead to irreversible muscle wasting and loss of function. Prompt management helps protect the nerve and maintain long-term hand health.
Steps Towards Achieving Your Goals
In Three Easy Steps
1. Consultation
A Consultation helps you give your desires to us and helps us take a thorough history, do an examination and order investigations like Nerve Conduction Studies.
2. Procedure
The day of the procedure is a big day for the patient and we take every measure to make sure your are comfortable and safe.
3. Recovery
We will support in this essential part of your journey to make it as smooth as possible.
Preparation & Aftercare
Follow these instruction to prepare for your procedure and to have a smooth post-operative recovery.
Pre-Op
Before carpal tunnel release surgery, patients may undergo nerve conduction studies to confirm diagnosis and severity. It’s important to inform your surgeon about any medications, allergies, or medical conditions. Stop smoking if possible, as it delays healing. Plan ahead for time off work and post-op support at home.
What to Avoid
Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) or blood thinners unless cleared by your surgeon, as they can increase bleeding risk. Also avoid strenuous wrist activity or repetitive hand movements that worsen symptoms. Refrain from eating or drinking on the day of surgery if you’re undergoing general or regional anaesthesia.
Post-Op
After surgery, you’ll have a bandage or splint to support the wrist. Keep the hand elevated to reduce swelling, and gently move your fingers to maintain flexibility. Stitches are usually removed within 10–14 days. Most patients can return to light activities within a week, but full recovery may take several weeks.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME TREATMENT OPTIONS
Non-Surgical Treatments
Wrist Splinting: Especially effective in early or mild cases, worn mainly at night to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Activity Modification: Adjusting or avoiding repetitive hand motions can reduce irritation and swelling.
Anti-inflammatory Medication: NSAIDs may offer temporary symptom relief in mild cases.
Corticosteroid Injections: Targeted injections can reduce inflammation and provide short-to-medium term relief.
Surgical Treatment
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery is recommended for moderate to severe cases or when non-surgical methods fail. This involves relieving pressure on the median nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligament.
Open Release Surgery: A traditional technique with a small incision in the palm.
Procedures are typically performed as day surgery under local or regional anaesthesia, with excellent outcomes when performed by an experienced hand surgeon like Dr. Ali Soueid.
What to expect
During Your Carpal Tunnel Treatment
Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome begins with non-surgical options such as wrist splints, steroid injections, and activity modification. These may provide relief in mild to moderate cases, especially when symptoms are worse at night. However, persistent or severe compression of the median nerve may require surgery.
Carpal tunnel release surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia and takes about 15–30 minutes. The surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the nerve. This can be done via an open approach or a minimally invasive endoscopic technique, depending on the case.
Following surgery, patients can expect mild discomfort and swelling, which improves within a few days. Normal finger movement is encouraged early, but heavy lifting and repetitive motions should be avoided for a few weeks. Most people experience significant relief of symptoms and return to work within 2–6 weeks, depending on the job.
Comparison of Surgical vs Non-Surgical Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
| Aspect | Non-Surgical Treatment | Surgical Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Indications | Mild to moderate symptoms, early stages | Persistent, severe, or recurrent symptoms; nerve compression |
| Examples | Wrist splints, steroid injections, physiotherapy, activity changes | Open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery |
| Anaesthesia Required | None or local (for injections) | Local anaesthesia (day surgery) |
| Effectiveness | Often temporary; depends on cause and severity | High long-term success rate (80–90% symptom relief) |
| Recovery Time | Immediate return to daily activities | 2–6 weeks, depending on activity and job |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher initial cost, but cost-effective long-term |
| Risk of Recurrence | Higher, especially if underlying causes persist | Lower; permanent relief in most cases |
| Ideal Candidates | Early-stage cases, those unable or unwilling to have surgery | Advanced cases, failed conservative treatment |
| Risks and Side Effects | Minimal; rare steroid side effects | Scar, temporary stiffness, infection (rare) |
| Performed By | GPs, rheumatologists, hand specialists | Plastic surgeons, hand surgeons |
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Aesthetics You Trust
Trust
Aesthetics You Trust is our motto. We will treat you with respect always and provide you with the best care we can.
Do No Harm
The first rule of medical ethics is to never knowingly do something to a patient that could harm them.
Evidence Based
We only offer treatments that are backed by evidence and based on our experience. We do not follow trends.
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We continuously educate ourselves, attend conferences and courses to stay up to date and use the best products.
FAQ
What are the first signs of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Early symptoms include numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. These often worsen at night or after using the hand.
When should I see a specialist for carpal tunnel syndrome?
If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks or begin to interfere with daily activities, it’s advisable to consult a hand specialist like Dr Ali Soueid in Beirut, Dubai, or Qatar.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome go away on its own?
In some mild cases, symptoms can improve with rest and activity modification. However, without treatment, most cases gradually worsen over time.
What non-surgical treatments are available?
Options include wrist splinting, corticosteroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, and ergonomic changes.
How effective is surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Surgery has a success rate of over 80–90% in relieving symptoms, especially when performed early by experienced plastic and hand surgeons.
Is carpal tunnel surgery painful?
Carpal tunnel release is usually done under local anaesthesia and is not painful during the procedure. Some discomfort may occur during recovery but is typically mild and short-lived.
How long is the recovery after surgery?
Most patients return to light activities within 1–2 weeks and full activity within 4–6 weeks, depending on the nature of their work.
Will I have a scar after carpal tunnel release?
Yes, a small scar will be present either in the palm or wrist, depending on the technique used. Dr Ali Soueid uses precise, minimally invasive techniques to reduce scarring.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome come back after surgery?
Recurrence is rare, especially when the surgery is done properly. However, if contributing factors like diabetes or repetitive strain are not managed, symptoms may return.
Does Dr Ali Soueid offer carpal tunnel treatment in Beirut and the Gulf?
Yes, Dr Ali Soueid provides expert consultation and surgical care for carpal tunnel syndrome in Beirut, Qatar, Dubai, and London, with over 25 years of experience in hand surgery.
