Carpal Tunnel & Ulnar Nerve Surgery
Complete preparation and recovery instructions for carpal tunnel release and ulnar nerve decompression surgery.
Is Nerve Release Surgery Right for You?
This May Be Right for You If...
- • You have numbness, tingling, or weakness confirmed by nerve testing
- • Conservative treatments (splinting, injections) haven't helped
- • Symptoms are worsening or affecting daily activities
- • You want to prevent permanent nerve damage
This May Not Be the Best Fit If...
- • Mild symptoms that may respond to splinting or activity changes
- • Neck problems causing similar symptoms (we can help determine this)
- • Symptoms that come and go and are manageable
- • You haven't tried conservative treatments yet
Not sure? Call us and we'll help you decide.
What to Expect: Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies by individual. Your surgeon will discuss your specific timeline.
Questions Before Surgery?
It's normal to have questions or feel uncertain before any procedure. Our staff is here to help you understand what to expect and address any concerns.
You can call us anytime during office hours. If you're not sure whether something is normal or a concern, call anyway—we'd rather answer your question than have you worry.
Call Us If You Have Questions About:
- Medications to stop or continue
- What to bring on surgery day
- Arranging help at home
- Any other concerns
Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-12pm
About Nerve Release Surgery
Carpal tunnel release relieves pressure on the median nerve at the wrist, which causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. The surgery involves cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel to create more space for the nerve.
Ulnar nerve decompression (cubital tunnel release) relieves pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow, which causes numbness in the ring and small fingers, and weakness in grip. The surgery may involve releasing the nerve or moving it to a new position.
Both procedures are typically performed as outpatient surgery with local or regional anesthesia. Recovery is generally quick, with most patients returning to light activities within 1-2 weeks.
Key Recovery Milestones
- Go home: Same day
- Dressing removal: 2-3 days
- Suture removal: 10-14 days
- Light activities: 1-2 weeks
- Return to desk work: 1-2 weeks
- Grip strength returns: 4-6 weeks
- Full recovery: 6-12 weeks
Pre-Surgery Instructions
1 Week Before Surgery
- Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and other anti-inflammatory medications
- Multiple over-the-counter supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, turmeric, ginger, etc.) can also increase bleeding risk - stop these as well
- If you take prescribed aspirin for heart health, consult your surgeon before stopping
- Stop taking blood thinners as directed by your surgeon or cardiologist
- Continue taking prescribed heart and blood pressure medications unless told otherwise
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery
The Night Before Surgery
- Do not eat anything after midnight
- You may drink clear liquids (water, black coffee, tea) up to 2 hours before arrival time
- If you take any GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Trulicity, etc.), do not take the dose within 2 weeks of surgery
- If you take any GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Trulicity, etc.), do not have any oral intake within 12 hours of surgery
- Remove all jewelry from your hands and wrists
- Remove nail polish from fingers on the operative hand
- Shower and wash the operative arm/hand thoroughly
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with short sleeves or sleeves that can be rolled up
Post-Surgery Care Instructions
First 48-72 Hours
- Keep your hand elevated above heart level as much as possible
- Wiggle your fingers frequently to reduce swelling
- Ice the surgical area for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours (protect skin with cloth)
- Take pain medication as prescribed before pain becomes severe
- Keep the dressing clean and dry
- You may experience numbness from the anesthesia block for 12-24 hours
Wound Care
- Keep the dressing clean and dry for 48-72 hours
- After 48-72 hours, you may remove the bulky dressing and apply band-aids
- Keep incision dry until sutures are removed (typically 10-14 days)
- Cover hand with plastic bag when showering
- Do not soak hand in water until incision is fully healed
- Watch for signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, drainage, fever)
Activity Guidelines
- Begin gentle finger movements immediately after surgery
- You may use your hand for light activities (eating, writing) as tolerated
- Avoid gripping, pinching, or lifting anything heavy for 2-4 weeks
- Avoid getting the incision wet until cleared
- You may return to desk work in 1-2 weeks
- Avoid heavy lifting or repetitive hand motions for 4-6 weeks
What to Expect
- Numbness and tingling may improve immediately or gradually over months
- Scar tenderness is normal and may last several weeks
- Grip strength may be weak initially but will improve
- Night symptoms often improve quickly
- Some pillar pain (tenderness at base of palm) is normal for carpal tunnel
- Full nerve recovery can take 6-12 months in some cases
Additional Instructions for Ulnar Nerve Surgery
Elbow Care
- You may be given a splint to keep your elbow straight—wear as directed
- Avoid leaning on your elbow
- Avoid bending your elbow past 90 degrees for the first 2 weeks
- When sleeping, try to keep your elbow straight (a towel wrapped around the elbow can help)
- Avoid activities that require prolonged elbow bending
Recovery Notes
- Ulnar nerve recovery is often slower than carpal tunnel
- Numbness in ring and small fingers may take months to improve
- Muscle weakness may take 6-12 months to fully recover
- If the nerve was transposed (moved), recovery may take longer
- Physical therapy may be recommended for elbow mobility
When to Call Your Doctor
Nerve release surgery is generally very safe, but certain symptoms may indicate a problem. Contact our office if you experience any of these warning signs.
Warning Signs
- Fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C)
- Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth around the incision
- Drainage or pus from the wound
- Pain that is getting worse instead of better
- Fingers that are cold, blue, or white
- Severe swelling that doesn't improve with elevation
- New numbness or weakness that wasn't present before surgery
Office: (580) 233-6707
Questions About Your Surgery?
Our team is here to help you prepare for a successful nerve release surgery.
(580) 233-6707