active-orthopaedics

Dr. Carlson at Waterbury Hospital: Hand and Shoulder Injuries

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:35:00 GMT

In this video, Dr. Erik Carlson discusses hand and shoulder injuries and the range of services he and his colleagues provide at Waterbury Hospital. The hospital’s orthopedic program offers patients expert surgical and nonsurgical care, making it easier to access advanced treatment close to home.

Carpal Tunnel Release: What You Need to Know About This Common Hand Procedure

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:19:31 GMT

What You Need to Know About a Carpal Tunnel Release

If you regularly experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand, you may be dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition, caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist, is common among individuals who perform repetitive hand motions, use vibrating tools, or work long hours at a computer.

At Active Orthopaedics, our fellowship-trained hand specialists offer personalized evaluation and treatment—including advanced carpal tunnel release surgery—to help you regain comfort and function.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed. This can lead to:

Numbness and tingling (often in the thumb, index, and middle fingers)
Pain that may extend to the palm or forearm
Weakness and difficulty gripping objects
Symptoms that worsen at night or during repetitive tasks

Common risk factors include repetitive wrist motions, poor ergonomic setups, vibration exposure, trauma, obesity, and diabetes.

Treatment Options: From Conservative to Surgical

When diagnosed early, carpal tunnel syndrome can often be managed with non-surgical treatments:

Wearing a wrist splint at night
Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
Ergonomic adjustments and activity modification

However, if symptoms persist or testing shows nerve damage, surgery may be recommended.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Release?

Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure that relieves pressure on the median nerve. It can be performed in two ways:

Open Release: A small incision is made in the palm to access and release the ligament compressing the nerve.
Endoscopic Release: A less invasive approach using a tiny camera and instruments through a small incision at the wrist.

Both methods aim to reduce or eliminate pain, numbness, and weakness by giving the nerve room to heal.

What to Expect: From Consultation to Recovery

Initial Evaluation: Your specialist will assess your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and review electrodiagnostic tests (EMG and nerve conduction studies) to confirm the diagnosis and severity.

Day of Surgery: Carpal tunnel release is an outpatient procedure lasting about 20–30 minutes. It is typically done with local anesthesia and sedation. Patients can go home the same day with a friend or family member to drive them.

Recovery:

The surgical dressing is removed after 48–72 hours; patients can then use a bandage and resume light activities.
Sutures are removed at the first follow-up (around 10 days).
Most return to normal activities within 3–4 weeks, though some discomfort with pressure on the palm may linger for 2–3 months.
Physical therapy is rarely needed but may be recommended if stiffness or sensitivity persists.

Why Choose Active Orthopaedics for Carpal Tunnel Care?

Dr. Erik Carlson and Dr. James Aglio, our hand surgery experts, are highly trained in both open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Dr. Carlson is board-certified in orthopaedic and hand surgery and is an active member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

Our team prioritizes individualized care, accurate diagnosis, and safe, effective treatment to help you get back to the activities you love.

Ready to take the next step toward relief? Schedule a consultation at our Waterbury, Middlebury, or Southbury office today.

Dr. Aglio Joins Waterbury Health Screening Fair

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:38:01 GMT

Active Orthopaedics Joins the Waterbury Health Screening Fair

Active Orthopaedics was a proud participant of the Waterbury Health Screening Fair this month. Dr. Aglio joined a number of other community organizations in providing insights and answers to orthopedic questions and concerns.

We're always grateful to be out in the community sharing our expertise!

Recent Happenings With Active Orthopaedics

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:24:31 GMT

Staying Connected and Giving Back: Recent Highlights at Active Orthopaedics

At Active Orthopaedics, we love being able to contribute to the greater Waterbury and Middlebury community and support local causes throughout Connecticut. This spring and summer, our team has been busy sharing knowledge, leading industry discussions, and giving back through active events. Here’s a look at some recent events that reflect our dedication to advancing orthopaedic care and staying connected with our neighbors.

Sharing Expertise at the 2025 Concentra Worker’s Compensation Seminar

On May 1st, Dr. Erik Carlson spoke at the 2025 Concentra Worker’s Compensation Seminar , presenting on common elbow conditions and injuries. We value our role in ensuring that injured workers receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans to get back to work safely.

Leading the Conversation at the Connecticut Orthopaedic Society Annual Meeting

On May 9th, Dr. Michael Kaplan, who serves as the Program Director of the Connecticut Orthopaedic Society , hosted the society’s annual meeting. This year, Dr. Carlson stepped into a new leadership role as Vice President of the Society. We look forward to continued work in strengthening the future of orthopaedic care in Connecticut.

Supporting Local Causes at the Hamden Hall Charity Golf Tournament

On June 16th, Active Orthopaedics proudly sponsored the Hamden Hall Charity Golf Tournament . Dr. Carlson and Dr. John Aglio joined community members on the course for a day of golf and giving back. Events like these allow our team to connect with local families and support meaningful causes that benefit our neighbors.

At Active Orthopaedics, we’re honored to serve the Greater Waterbury, Middlebury, and Southbury communities — both inside and outside the clinic. Stay tuned for more updates on our community involvement, and if you’d like to learn more about our orthopaedic services, contact us today to schedule a consultation.