Last updated: 24.03.2026 | Reading time: approx. 6 Min.
Table of Contents
Overview of Key Points:
- Causes: Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist—usually triggered by repetitive strain, swelling in the carpal tunnel, or age-related changes.
- Diagnosis and Treatment: The diagnosis is based on medical history, clinical examination, and measurement of nerve conduction velocity. Based on your symptoms and test results, our neurosurgeon Dr. Julia Reinhart at SPORTambulatorium Vienna will develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Conservative treatment: Mild cases can initially be treated without surgery, for example with special splints, physical therapy or occupational therapy, anti-inflammatory measures, or adjustments to daily activities. The goal is to reduce swelling and temporarily relieve pressure on the nerve.
- Carpal Tunnel Surgery: n cases of moderate to severe impairment of nerve conduction velocity, persistent symptoms, or early signs of nerve dysfunction, a carpal tunnel release may be indicated. The procedure is minimally invasive, takes about 15 minutes, is typically performed under local anesthesia, and can be done on an outpatient basis.
Success rates of carpal tunnel surgery: In more than 80 to 90 percent of cases, symptoms improve significantly or disappear completely. The best results are achieved when the procedure is performed early and the nerve has not yet been permanently damaged.
At the SPORTambulatorium Wien , we combine precise diagnostics, conservative treatment methods and – where necessary – minimally invasive surgical procedures to provide you with long-term pain relief. Treatment is provided by our interdisciplinary team and our specialist in neurosurgery, Dr Julia Reinhart.
Diagnosis: How can carpal tunnel syndrome be diagnosed?
If the carpal tunnel becomes abnormally narrowed, pressure is exerted on the nerve. This can lead to symptoms and damage to the nerve.
The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is based on a combination of medical history, clinical examination and diagnostic imaging to reliably confirm compression of the median nerve and determine the severity of the condition. The most important test is the measurement of nerve conduction velocity (NCV), in which slowed signal transmission indicates damage. In addition, high-resolution ultrasound provides valuable information about possible thickening of the nerve or structural changes in the carpal tunnel.
As similar symptoms can also be caused by other conditions – such as problems with the cervical spine, polyneuropathies or compression of the ulnar nerve – these are also taken into account during the diagnostic process. The final clinical assessment and decision regarding the appropriate treatment or a possible operation is made by our specialist in neurosurgery, Dr Julia Reinhart.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
A typical symptom is the “numbness” of the hand and fingers, particularly at night or in the early hours of the morning. Tingling or numbness in the hand and fingers can also occur when the hand is held in certain positions, such as when talking on the phone, reading a newspaper, or cycling or riding a motorbike.
The often painful, pins-and-needles-like sensations initially occur mainly in the first three fingers (thumb, index finger and middle finger) . The symptoms are exacerbated by strain on the hand, e.g. from gardening. They usually improve by changing the position of the hand or ‘shaking it out’. In advanced stages of the condition, the fingers feel constantly ‘numb’. In addition, the muscles on the side of the thumb pad atrophy.
Typical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:
- Tingling and numbness in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger
- Muscle cramps in the hand
- Weakness in the hand, especially when gripping
- Impaired fine motor skills
- Muscle wasting in the muscles of the thumb pad
In cases of severe and persistent symptoms with sensory and/or motor deficits and corresponding results in nerve conduction velocity testing, surgery may be necessary. In this procedure, the ligament surrounding the carpal tunnel is cut during a minor operation to relieve the pressure on the nerve.
To discuss the treatment options that are right for you, please book an appointment at an appointment online.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery at the Confraternität Private Clinic: Surgical Partnership with SPORTambulatorium
As a private practice with surgical partnerships at the Confraternität Private Clinic, SPORTambulatorium Wien will take care of all the planning for your carpal tunnel surgery. Should surgery be indicated, we will provide you with comprehensive information on the procedure, the technique and the process during your visit. The procedure is performed using a minimally invasive technique by our neurosurgeon Dr Julia Reinhart at the Confraternität Private Clinic.
Medical History and Findings
Treatment for your carpal tunnel syndrome begins with a detailed initial consultation with Dr Julia Reinhart at the SPORTambulatorium in Vienna. During this consultation, we will discuss your symptoms, previous medical history and the necessary imaging tests. Appointments can be conveniently booked at online.
Information and Surgical Planning at the SPORTambulatorium
If carpal tunnel surgery is indicated, you will receive comprehensive information about the procedure, the technique, and the process. The SPORTambulatorium Wien will handle all the organizational details for you—from scheduling the appointment to administrative preparations.
Surgery Appointment at the Confraternität Private Clinic
Surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome – known as minimally invasive carpal tunnel release – is usually performed under local anaesthetic. On request or under certain circumstances, the procedure can also be performed under general anaesthesia. Through a very small incision in the skin at the wrist, the ligament constricting the median nerve is exposed under direct visualisation and severed. A surgical microscope is often used for this, enabling a particularly precise and nerve-sparing approach.
The procedure takes only about 15 minutes and can usually be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to go home the same day with a bandage.
Follow-up Care and Sick Leave
A few days after the surgery, an initial wound check-up takes place at the SPORTambulatorium; the stitches are removed about two weeks later. Until then, the bandage should remain dry and clean. Despite the bandage, the fingers should be moved regularly immediately after the procedure. Our specialized physical therapists will explain right after the surgery which exercises are important in the first few weeks and how to best mobilize the hand.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Carpal Tunnel Surgery
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a bony canal on the inner side of the wrist. The canal is enclosed by the wrist ligament and surrounded by connective tissue. The flexor tendons of the fingers and the median nerve (nervus medianus) run through the carpal tunnel. If the carpal tunnel becomes abnormally narrowed, pressure is exerted on the nerve. This can cause symptoms and damage the nerve.
Causes: How does carpal tunnel syndrome develop?
The causes include overuse of the hand, injuries and certain medical conditions. Treatment is necessary if symptoms or sensory disturbances persist over a prolonged period. If left untreated, permanent damage may occur in some cases.
At what measurement level is carpal tunnel surgery recommended?
Surgery is generally recommended when nerve conduction velocity is moderately to severely impaired—often when values are below approximately 40 m/s or in cases of motor conduction block. Surgery is also recommended if the diameter of the median nerve measured by ultrasound is greater than 10 mm². The decision to perform surgery is based on the clinical presentation, the electrophysiological findings or ultrasound findings of the nerve, and the severity of symptoms.
