What is Carpal Tunnel Release?
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it travels through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the hand.
Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure that relieves pressure on the median nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligament. This creates more room within the carpal tunnel and helps reduce pain, numbness, and tingling.
Carpal Tunnel Release Procedure
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a small incision in the wrist. During the procedure, a small camera called an endoscope is inserted through the incision. The camera guides the surgeon while the transverse carpal ligament is cut to relieve pressure on the median nerve. The incision is closed with absorbable stitches beneath the skin and surgical glue on the surface.
Carpal tunnel release can be performed on one wrist at a time or on both wrists during the same visit. When both wrists are treated together, patients should plan for help with transportation and daily activities during early recovery.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome can often be treated with nonsurgical care, especially when symptoms are mild or moderate.
Nonsurgical treatment may include:
Wrist Bracing
A brace may help relieve symptoms by holding the wrist in a straight position at night, during the day, or both.
Steroid Injection
A steroid injection may reduce inflammation and relieve some symptoms. This is usually a short-term treatment and may provide relief for a few weeks.
If symptoms are more severe or do not improve with nonsurgical care, carpal tunnel release may be recommended.
Is Carpal Tunnel Release Right for You?
Carpal tunnel release may be considered when symptoms are severe or have not improved with nonsurgical treatment. Carpal tunnel syndrome may cause:
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hand and fingers
- Waking at night because of hand symptoms
- Frequently shaking or flicking the hand for relief
- Needing to switch hands during everyday tasks
- Pain or discomfort when making a fist
- Hand weakness or difficulty gripping
- Dropping objects
Your provider will examine your hand and wrist, evaluate your symptoms, and help determine the severity of the condition.
Ultrasound may be used to view structures inside the wrist and measure the median nerve. A nerve conduction study may also be used to evaluate how well electrical signals move through the nerve and help determine the severity of the compression.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does recovery take after carpal tunnel release?
Most patients notice improved sleep the first night after surgery, and experience an improvement in palm soreness within 3-4 weeks. However, full recovery varies depending on symptoms present before surgery.
Occasional numbness or tingling: Often improve or resolves within the first week.
Constant numbness or tingling: Improvement may take longer and can continue for up to one year.
Severe or long-standing nerve compression: Symptom improvement may be limited or unpredictable.
Your provider will review your expected recovery based on your individual symptoms.
What should I expect after endoscopic carpal tunnel release?
Patients can perform basic self-care activities immediately after surgery. Begin gentle finger movement right away to help prevent stiffness, but avoid lifting, gripping, or heavy use of the hand during early recovery.
Keep your hand elevated at or above heart level for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling. Rest, ice, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs, can help manage discomfort.
How do I care for the incision?
The ace wrap may be removed on the day of surgery, and the bandage may be removed after two days. The stitches beneath the skin are absorbable and may take up to three months to dissolve. A small bump along the incision can be normal during healing.
Do not soak your hand or wash dishes for one week to reduce the risk of infection.
When can I return to work?
Office workers typically return to work within 1-2 weeks. Patients who perform manual labor typically return within 3-4 weeks.
Some patients may recover faster, while others may need more time before they feel comfortable returning to work.
Can both wrists be treated during the same visit?
Yes. Carpal tunnel release may be performed on one wrist at a time or on both wrists during the same visit.
When the procedures are performed separately, they are typically scheduled at least two weeks apart.
If both wrists are treated during the same visit, you will need someone to drive you home and assist you afterward. Preparing meals in advance may also be helpful because lifting and gripping can be uncomfortable during early recovery.
What are the risks of carpal tunnel release?
Risks are rare and may include:
- Incomplete release
- Infection
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels
- Scar tissue
- No improvement in symptoms
Why Eugene Patients Trust Slocum for Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
For more than 80 years, Slocum Orthopedics has helped keep the Eugene–Springfield community moving. As the region’s largest orthopedic practice, our board-certified surgeons provide advanced orthopedic care supported by on-site physical therapy, imaging, and a dedicated surgery center.
