All surgeries
Surgery & recovery
Carpal tunnel release
A short procedure that cuts the tight ligament across the wrist to take pressure off the median nerve.
Why it's done
- Persistent numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
- Symptoms that wake you at night and don't respond to splinting
- Weakness or thumb muscle wasting
Typical recovery phases
Timelines are general patterns. Your surgeon's protocol always wins.
- 1Days 0–7
Protect the wound; gentle finger motion.
Keep the hand elevated. Move fingers often. Keep the bandage dry.
- 2Weeks 2–4
Restore wrist motion and light grip.
Begin gentle wrist range of motion as your surgeon allows.
- 3Weeks 4–8
Build pinch and grip endurance.
Add light putty work and return to most daily tasks.
- 4Months 2–6
Return to demanding tasks; symptoms continue to settle.
Heavier lifting and sustained gripping return last.
Red flags — call your team
- Increasing redness, drainage, or fever
- New or spreading numbness
- Severe pain not controlled by rest and elevation
Splints you may wear
Sources
- Carpal tunnel surgery — American Society for Surgery of the Hand(accessed 2026-04-21)