Carpal tunnel surgery, also called carpal tunnel release, is done to relieve pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. During surgery, the ligament that is pressing on the nerve is cut. As you heal, the ligament tissue gradually grows back together, leaving more room for the nerve than before surgery.

Recovery is different for each person. Your care team may adjust these instructions based on your surgery, your health and how your hand is healing. Follow the instructions you receive on the day of surgery.

Soreness, stiffness or weakness may last for several weeks. For some people, symptoms may take a few months to improve.

For the first few days after surgery, focus on protecting your wrist, reducing swelling and gently moving your fingers.

Wrist care

• Do not drive for 24 to 48 hours after surgery if you received sedation or anesthesia.
• Keep your splint on and clean. You may rewrap the elastic bandage if it feels too tight. Swelling often peaks 3 to 4 days after surgery.
• Keep your splint dry. When showering, seal a plastic bag around the splint to protect it from water.
• Elevate your wrist above your heart as much as possible for the first 2 to 3 days. Place a pillow under your arm while sitting or lying down.
• Use ice as directed. An ice pack or sealed bag of ice may be placed on the wrist area several times a day for 20 to 30 minutes at a time during the first 2 to 3 days.
• Move your fingers often to improve circulation. Use your other hand to gently help stretch the joints in your surgical hand.
• Begin using your hand normally with the splint on about 3 days after surgery, or when your health care provider says it is okay. 
• Do not lift anything until your care team tells you it is safe.
• Take pain medicine exactly as directed. Do not drink alcohol or drive while taking prescription pain medicine.

First follow-up visit

Bring your nylon wrist splint to your appointment if you have one and it is in good condition. Your surgery splint will be removed, and your wound will be checked for signs of infection. A light dressing will be placed, and the nylon wrist splint will be applied.

You may remove and replace the dressing and splint only for bathing, unless your care team gives you different instructions.

Second follow-up visit

Your stitches will be removed. Continue using a light dressing only as needed. Wear the wrist splint at all times except while bathing.

Your care team may refer you to a hand therapist if your scar is very tender or if your fingers are stiff or weak.

Use your hand normally with the splint on. Gently massage your scar as directed to help reduce tenderness.

Third follow-up visit

This visit is a final check to make sure your wrist and hand are healing well. At this visit, your care team may tell you to stop using the wrist splint. Additional appointments may be scheduled if needed.

Many people return to normal activities and work without restrictions about 5 weeks after surgery, but recovery time may vary.

Call your health care provider if you have:

• Severe pain that continues 48 hours after surgery.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• A fever higher than 100.4 F, or 38 C, after the second day following surgery.
• Excessive drainage from the incision. Some bleeding or drainage may be expected.
• Any symptom or problem that concerns you.

*This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice. For medical questions and advice, it is always best to consult with your trained physician.

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