Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Expert Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Care

If you’re struggling with wrist pain, numbness or tingling caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, you’re not alone. At Novant Health, our board-certified orthopedic hand and wrist surgeons are here to relieve your discomfort and restore your hand function. Together, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan focused on your lifestyle, goals and comfort.

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When surgery is the best option

If your carpal tunnel symptoms are severe, long-lasting or haven’t improved with nonsurgical care, carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended. The goal is to relieve pressure on the median nerve, reduce pain and help prevent permanent nerve damage — so you can return to daily activities more comfortably.

Your surgeon will take time to understand your symptoms, review nerve testing and consider your work and lifestyle needs when recommending the best approach. Whether open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release, your procedure is chosen with your specific condition and recovery in mind, and both options are proven to be safe and effective.

Carpal tunnel release surgery

Carpal tunnel release is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that relieves pressure on the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. Pressure on this nerve causes pain, numbness and weakness in the hand and fingers.

During surgery, your surgeon carefully divides the transverse carpal ligament, the thick band of tissue pressing on the nerve. This creates more space in the tunnel, stops the compression and allows the nerve to heal over time. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia with mild IV sedation to ensure your comfort.

Mini-open carpal tunnel release surgery

In mini-open carpal tunnel release, your surgeon makes a small, minimally invasive incision — usually one to two inches long — at the base of the palm. This direct approach provides clear access to the ligament for precise release and thorough visualization. The incision is then closed with sutures and covered by a soft dressing.

Mini-open carpal tunnel release surgery is often recommended for patients with advanced or recurrent carpal tunnel symptoms, or when a detailed view of surrounding tissues is beneficial. Most patients experience significant improvement in numbness and strength within several weeks, with continued recovery over time.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery uses one or two very small incisions, often less than half an inch long. Through these openings, your surgeon inserts a tiny camera (endoscope) and specialized instruments to view and release the ligament from underneath the skin. This approach minimizes tissue disruption, leading to potentially less postoperative discomfort and a faster return to regular activities.

Because only a small area of the palm is affected, patients may notice smaller scars and a quicker recovery of hand mobility. However, your surgeon will help determine whether the endoscopic or open approach is best based on your anatomy, occupational needs and medical history.

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Carpal tunnel release videos in our patient education library are available to help you gain a general understanding of the procedure.

What to Expect After Surgery

Recovery time depends on the severity of your symptoms and your daily activity requirements, but most patients return to light hand use immediately after surgery.

A soft dressing or splint will protect your palm while healing begins.
You’ll start gentle finger and wrist motion exercises soon after surgery to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
Strengthening therapy may be added within weeks to rebuild grip and coordination.
Your care team will provide guidance on when you can safely resume work, exercise and other activities.

Most patients experience relief from pain and tingling soon after carpal tunnel release surgery. Full recovery of nerve function may take several months depending on symptom severity before surgery.