I had carpal tunnel surgery a few months ago (left hand) and it relived 3 out of the 4 problems that i was having.My left thumb knuckle joint 95% of the times hurts .and the vein from my hand that leads up the side of my wrist swells and becomes painful.Prior to surgery my surgeon took hand xrays and ruled out arthritis . I was tested for rheumatoid and other immune diseases-thankfully all negative. I am going to another orthopedic for another opinion because the pain in limiting my left hand use. I wear a wrist brace to limit movement which just relieves discomfort and pain for a little while.