These are all good suggestions for temporary relief, but it can still progress to cause permanent nerve damage. Your doctor should order a test that measures the electrical signals being transmitted by the nerves there. If it shows a reduction you ought to consider the surgery.
I had reached that point that pain extended up to my shoulders before I had it done on each hand, but the relief was immediate. I even watched the surgery on a monitor as it was done -- fascinating! I went home and put on rubber gloves to keep the incision dry, and very carefully carried on life as usual. After one surgery I went out to my husband's company XMas party the same night, only needing some tylenol to stay comfortable.
If you wait too long to opt for the surgery you may be disappointed in the results, as you may still have numbness and clumsiness afterwards as my elderly aunt recently found from trying to tough it out too long.