If you are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome and all other avenues have failed to relieve or control your symptoms, an operation called a carpal tunnel release may be necessary. In this relatively simple outpatient procedure, the surgeon carefully cuts the wrist ligament, releasing the pressure inside the carpal tunnel, usually providing almost instantaneous relief from arm and hand pain and tingling.
As the wound heals, new tissue will bridge the severed ligament in about six weeks, making the ligament long enough to create additional space inside the tunnel and prevent recurrence of symptoms in most cases.