If nonsurgical treatment does not relieve your symptoms or provides only temporary relief, your clinician may recommend surgery.

The decision of whether to recommend surgery is based on:

• The severity of your symptoms
• Physical exam findings
• Response to non-operative treatment
• Results of testing

In long-standing cases with constant numbness and wasting of your thumb muscles, surgery may be recommended to prevent irreversible damage. Surgery may also be recommended if you do not get relief with non-operative treatments and/or demonstrate significant nerve changes on testing.