A procedure for treating carpal tunnel syndrome can involve delivering a dehydrating agent into and/or near the carpal tunnel. The dehydrating agent can reduce swelling of the flexor tendons and/or the carpal ligament in the region, thereby reducing pressure on the median nerve that also runs through the carpal tunnel. Through the use of a dehydrating agent that affects proteoglycans without affecting collagen, localized dehydration can be induced without weakening the flexor tendons, carpal ligament, and any other structures in the carpal tunnel region.
