Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery: What to Expect and Recovery

Carpal tunnel release is one of the most commonly performed hand procedures, with a well-established track record for relieving nerve compression symptoms.

Confirming the Diagnosis First

Before surgery, diagnosis is usually confirmed with a clinical examination and often a nerve conduction study — a test that measures how well electrical signals travel through the median nerve, helping confirm both the diagnosis and its severity.

What Happens During Surgery

Performed under local anaesthesia, the procedure divides the ligament forming the roof of the carpal tunnel, releasing pressure on the median nerve. It's typically a day case, and most patients go home within a couple of hours.

Recovery Timeline

Numbness and tingling often start improving within days to weeks, though it can take longer in more severe or long-standing cases. Grip strength typically returns gradually over several weeks to a few months, with light activities resuming within days and heavier hand use restricted for a few weeks.

Learn more on the carpal tunnel release procedure page.