I have both open surgery and arthroscopic surgery over the years (different hands). The arthroscopic was the clear winner, with almost immediate relief, very little recovery time and no return of symptoms for over 30 years for my dominant hand. I had open surgery last year after a broken wrist put pressure on the carpal sheath. It was barbaric in comparison, taking a long time to heal and painful. It also took 3 months for symptoms to go away, although the surgeon told me it could take up to a year — he mentioned this after the surgery!

It is definitely worth seeking out a hand surgeon who does arthroscopic. Not all hospitals offer it, but the ease of recovery (I was driving within 48 hours) and minimal discomfort should make up for any inconvenience in finding the right surgeon.

I occasionally get carpal tunnel symptoms, too, Kathalina, with numbness in the fingers. A hand/wrist splint designed for carpal tunnel is helpful, and you can find it at some drugstores. Please see your doctor to ensure it's not related to a neck issue causing nerve impingement. If the CTS is causing weakness (which they can determine by examining you), you may need to consider surgery.

I feel for you, Kathalina! Although I believe wholeheartedly in the surgery ( I was waking in the middle of the night crying), a woman I know got relief through acupuncture

Add a neurologist to your team if your doctor says you’re not “ready.”

I suggest a second opinion, Kathalina. Also, if you haven't had your thyroid function checked recently, it's worthwhile, since an underactive thyroid can also cause carpal tunnel symptoms.