At Practice Plus Group we offer fast access to high-quality carpal tunnel surgery and treatment via self-pay, insured and NHS routes.
Carpal tunnel surgery NHS waiting list vs private
On the NHS, the maximum stated waiting time for non-urgent, consultant-led treatments is 18 weeks. However, this is a guideline and unfortunately, due to high demand, limited resources, and a backlog from the pandemic, it’s likely you will need to wait longer for surgery compared to self-pay options.
One of the advantages of opting for private carpal tunnel surgery is the significantly shorter waiting times. At Practice Plus Group, the average waiting time for carpal tunnel surgery is 4-6 weeks.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve, one of the nerves that control feeling and movement in the hands.
The median nerve travels through the carpal tunnel, which is a narrow passage in the wrist made up of small bones and soft tissue that act as a pulley for the tendons that bend the fingers.
What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
CTS is a relatively common medical condition which can include numbness and tingling, a weakness in the thumb and a dull ache in the palm of your hand or arm. Symptoms are usually experienced in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger. Discomfort can be particularly evident at night.
Little is known about what causes the compression of the median nerve but contributory factors seem to be:
a family history of CTS
injury to the wrist
pregnancy
conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
repetitive use of the hand(s).
How is carpal tunnel diagnosed?
For accurate diagnosis, you should see your doctor. Diagnosis can sometimes be made from symptoms and examination. Your doctor will examine your hand and wrist for signs of the condition, and may even need to take a look at your neck. Depending on what your surgeon recommends, you may also need a nerve conduction study or test.
When to seek carpal tunnel syndrome treatment
CTS can range from an inconvenience to a source of intense pain or numbness. A range of treatments are available and the treatment you may receive to deal with your CTS will depend on its severity and how long you have had it.
Carpal tunnel treatment without surgery
It is not likely to be necessary for you to have surgery immediately. Your treatment will begin with your GP, and then a referral to the musculo-skeletal physiotherapy service. Treatment may start with wrist splints to help keep your wrist in a neutral position.
Wrist splints
Treatment may start with wrist splints to help keep your wrist in a neutral position. Wearing a splint prevents you from bending your wrist and thus avoids putting additional pressure on the nerve.
This could relieve your symptoms within a few weeks.
Lifestyle modifications
You may be advised to make some lifestyle adjustments to ease your symptoms, such as:
modifying activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as typing, repetitive wrist movements, or heavy lifting
improving workplace ergonomics by adjusting keyboard and mouse position, using wrist supports, and ensuring proper posture
taking regular breaks to rest the hands and wrists, especially during activities that involve repetitive motions.
Physiotherapy and exercises
Focused exercises can strengthen the hand and wrist muscles and improve flexibility.
Pain medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) can help reduce carpal tunnel pain and inflammation.
Carpal tunnel injections
Your doctor may also suggest corticosteroid injections, especially if wrist splints have not worked for you. Steroids are natural hormones produced in the body that can help reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids can be taken in tablet form, although for CTS they are usually injected straight into the wrist.
One injection is given to see if this is the right therapy for you. If one injection has proved effective but the condition returns (which it sometimes does) this form of treatment may be repeated after a period of time.
What is carpal tunnel surgery?
If your CTS has not responded to wrist splints or corticosteroid injections the next step may be surgery. You should discuss this with your GP and your surgeon to make sure that all other forms of treatment have been exhausted and that you are made fully aware of the implications of surgery.
This type of surgery is known as carpal tunnel decompression or carpal tunnel release surgery. It is carried out as day surgery under local anaesthetic, which means you do not need to stay in hospital overnight.
The transverse carpal ligament, which is the roof of the carpal tunnel, is cut to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. In most cases, this type of surgery provides a complete cure.
There are two types of surgical procedure for carpal tunnel syndrome:
open release: the surgeon makes an incision in the wrist to access the carpal tunnel
endoscopic release: a thin flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the wrist through the incision. This method isn’t widely used nowadays.
The benefits of carpal syndrome surgery
Carpal tunnel surgery:
reduces pain
relieves numbness and tingling
restores strength in your hand and fingers
improves hand function and motor skills
prevents the progression of nerve damage
helps you get back to everyday activities and hobbies
has a high success rate and positive long term results.
CTS release surgery – what to expect
The surgery itself takes between 10 and 20 minutes and is done under local anaesthesia. During surgery, your surgeon will make a small incision in the wrist which enables them to release the carpal ligaments. They’ll then stitch up the cut and apply heavy bandaging to ensure minimal wrist movement.
The local anaesthesia will likely wear off a few hours after the procedure. Once your doctor gives you the all clear you should be free to go home.
Patient testimonial
“The expertise and professionalism shown by all the team in the operating theatre was most impressive and very reassuring. The nurse at my local surgery was most impressed by the quality of the stitches. My grandchildren thought I had a caterpillar in my hand! Many thanks to all concerned.”
Geoff, carpal tunnel surgery patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton
Carpal tunnel surgery lasts about 10 to 20 minutes and you do not need to stay in hospital overnight.
Carpal tunnel surgery success rates
Although figures differ according to the source, it’s generally accepted that the success rate of carpal tunnel surgery is over 90%1. There is a 5-10% chance of reoccurrence.
Carpal tunnel surgery complications
Potential risks are those related to all types of surgery including infection, nerve and blood vessel injury. Risks related to the procedure include a dull pain around the surgical scar called ‘pillar pain” which usually resolves itself within months.
Potential complications can include:
infection
nerve damage
damage to blood vessels
pain around the scar (usually resolved in a few months)
weakness or numbness (usually resolved in a few months).
Preparing for your carpal tunnel operation
In the weeks leading up to your operation, observing the following tips can help you to prepare:
Stop smoking: smoking can slow your recovery from carpal tunnel surgery. Your operation represents a great time to quit an expensive and damaging habit
Medication: tell your doctor about any medication you’re taking. You may need to stop taking it or be given a substitute in the event the pre-existing medication poses an increased risk during surgery
Fasting: in the hours before your operation, you may be required to fast in case anaesthesia is required. This means you’re not able to eat or drink for up to 6 hours before the procedure
A pre-operative assessment is our opportunity to ensure that the procedure for which you have been referred is right for you. We’ll explain your treatment to you and make sure that you are well enough to go ahead with it. It is also your opportunity to meet the team who will care for you and to ask any questions.
After carpal tunnel surgery
After your hand and wrist surgery, the affected area will be bandaged for 24-48 hours and you should keep both elevated to reduce swelling. You will usually be asked to wear a shoulder sling and it is advisable to keep moving to help with swelling and stiffness, such as gently moving your fingers, elbow and shoulder. This can begin on the day of your operation.
Recovery from carpal tunnel surgery
You can start to use your hand and wrist for light duties provided there is no pain or discomfort. It is recommended that you avoid using your hand and wrist for any strenuous or heavy activities for at least six weeks after carpal tunnel surgery, until you have completely recovered.
Your recovery timeline may look something like:
Same day – return home
One – two days – you should be able to gently move your fingers
Two weeks – stitches are removed
Three weeks – by now you should be able to return to work (role dependant)
One month – get back to your everyday activities
Three months – most people will have made a full recovery
Carpal tunnel surgery aftercare
The key to recovery is rest. You need to avoid using your arm as much as possible. This includes not typing and not lifting items heavier than a few kilos.
You should also avoid repetitive wrist movements until the wound has healed. This takes about two weeks.
Surgeon Q&A
Patient question: How long does carpal tunnel release surgery take?
Surgeon answer: Typically between 10-20 minutes depending on the severity of the injury and the patient’s specific need.
Patient question: When can I go back to work after carpal tunnel surgery?
Surgeon answer: This depends on the type of work you do. Manual labour should be avoided for at least a few months after surgery. Those with a desk job should be able to return sooner but may need to make adjustments to their workspace.
Patient question: How long will it take to recover?
Surgeon answer: You can start to use your hand and wrist for light duties provided there is no pain or discomfort. It is recommended that you avoid using your hand and wrist for any strenuous or heavy activities for at least six weeks after carpal tunnel surgery, until you have completely recovered.
At Practice Plus Group, surgery is available at locations across the UK and pricing is fixed. The procedure can be paid for upfront or with health insurance. You will need to check with your insurance provider to confirm whether your carpal tunnel procedure is covered under your policy.
Regardless of whether you pay for yourself, use health insurance or have your care via the NHS, you have the right to choose where to have your treatment.
Carpal tunnel syndrome operation cost comparison
Healthcare provider
Consultation fee
Price of carpal tunnel surgery
Total cost
Practice Plus Group
£95
£2,049
£2,144
Nuffield Health
from £150
£2,580
£2,730
Spire Healthcare
from £200
£3,170
£3,370
What’s included?
As part of our commitment to transparency, the price you see is the price you pay. And in the case of carpal tunnel surgery at Practice Plus Group, this comes to £2,144. This includes any basic tests you might need in the initial consultation to diagnose your condition. It will also cover any necessary post-op medication to help get you back to your best.
Ways to pay
There are 3 ways to access carpal tunnel treatment at Practice Plus Group:
At Practice Plus Group Hospitals, we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short carpal tunnel surgery waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.
Access private carpal tunnel surgery near you
Carpal tunnel treatment is available at the following Practice Plus Group locations:
Barlborough
Devizes
Emersons Green
Gillingham
Ilford
Plymouth
Shepton Mallet
Southampton
St. Mary’s Portsmouth
At Practice Plus Group Hospitals, we provide first-class care from first-class consultants and surgeons. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to patient-centred care, we’re dedicated to ensuring comfort, safety, and satisfaction throughout your surgical journey.
This article was completed with the help of Miss Alison Edwards, Medical Director at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet. Miss Edwards graduated from Oxford University Medical School in 1992. In 2003 she completed higher surgical training at the West Midlands Deanery, in trauma and orthopaedics.
Working at University Hospitals Coventry, Warwickshire, and Bristol & Weston, she joined Practice Plus Group in 2022 as a hand and wrist surgeon.
Over the last few years Practice Plus Group has grown its Marketing Team to include art workers, campaign and social media managers, content editors, and digital analysts. Together, they provide a responsive and comprehensive service, ensuring all content is on-brand and in-line with relevant medical guidelines.
Not quite found what you’re looking for? Our dedicated carpal tunnel FAQs may be able to help!
What is the most common treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome?
The most effective treatments in milder cases are:
– rest – use of a splint – steroid injections.
When these fail to produce any alleviating effects, your doctor may prescribe surgery.
Who is a candidate for carpal tunnel surgery?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition found in adults. It is more common in women. Anyone who is in good enough health to undergo surgery is eligible for carpal tunnel release at Practice Plus Group.
When is carpal tunnel bad enough for surgery?
If rest, wearing a splint and steroid injections don’t help, or if your symptoms are persistent, your doctor may recommend surgery.
What happens if carpal tunnel syndrome is untreated?
If carpal tunnel syndrome is left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to permanent loss of function and sensation in the affected hand and fingers.
When is it too late for carpal tunnel surgery?
Surgery may be deemed too late if there is severe, irreversible nerve damage leading to permanent loss of sensation, muscle atrophy, and functional impairment. Early intervention is important, so consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen to avoid reaching this stage.
Do you need a referral for carpal tunnel surgery?
At Practice Plus Group, any patient in need of our services is welcome, regardless of location. You don’t always need a referral. Generally, if you are paying for your own treatment you can self-refer; this means you won’t necessarily need to make a GP appointment beforehand. You can ring our Private Patient Advisors on 0330 822 6528 to find out what your options are.
What are the two types of carpal tunnel surgery?
The two types are:
– open release: the surgeon makes an incision in the wrist to access the carpal tunnel – endoscopic release: a thin flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the wrist through the incision. This method isn’t widely used nowadays.
Which is better: open or endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery?
Due to the phasing out of the endoscopic release method, by default, the answer is open release.
What is the least invasive carpal tunnel surgery?
Endoscopic release is the least invasive type of carpal tunnel surgery. However, it’s no longer a widely used method of surgery.
How painful is carpal tunnel surgery?
The surgery itself isn’t painful as you’ll have received local anaesthetic. Post-surgery discomfort can be treated with Ibuprofen or regular over-the-counter painkillers.
Is carpal tunnel surgery risky?
With a success rate of over 90%, carpal tunnel surgery is not considered a risky procedure. However, among the potential risks are bleeding, infection and nerve damage to the median nerve.
Will I be awake during carpal tunnel surgery?
Yes. During carpal tunnel surgery, you will receive local rather than general anaesthetic.
What do I need after carpal tunnel surgery?
The most important thing to do after surgery is rest. You should avoid repetitive wrist movements, as well as lifting heavy objects. Heavy bandaging and possibly a splint will be applied. Some of the bandaging can be removed after two days.
To help manage any pain or discomfort following the procedure, your doctor may provide pain relief.
What are the restrictions after carpal tunnel surgery?
In the initial recovery period, you should avoid lifting heavy objects and repetitive hand movements while your wrist heals.
How long does it take to recover from carpal tunnel surgery?
Most people are fully recovered 3 months post-surgery. Patients can usually return to normal activities after 1 month.
Can I use my hand after carpal tunnel surgery?
You should use your hand as soon as possible after surgery to help reduce stiffness. However, you should avoid activities that involve heavy lifting and repetitive hand movements. If you have any questions or are unsure about what you can and can’t do, please consult your doctor.
How to sleep after carpal tunnel surgery?
While recovering from carpal tunnel surgery, it’s helpful if you can keep your affected arm elevated while asleep. Resting your hand on a pile of pillows next to you is a useful way of ensuring you don’t end up rolling on top of your hand while asleep.
How long after carpal tunnel surgery can I drive?
Most patients will be able to drive again around two weeks after surgery. Each patient heals at a different rate, so it’s important to make sure your wound is fully healed before driving again. This is to prevent your stitches coming loose and wound reopening while operating the steering wheel.
When can I return to work carpal tunnel surgery?
After carpal tunnel surgery, return-to-work timing depends on the type of surgery, the nature of your job, and your individual recovery.
Generally, those with sedentary jobs can return in 1-2 weeks, those with light manual work in 2-4 weeks, and those with heavy labour in 6-12 weeks. Recovery is influenced by factors such as job duties, healing progress, and adherence to post-operative care.
Gradual resumption of work and ergonomic adjustments are recommended, and always follow your surgeon’s specific advice for a safe return.
Went here as a nervous patient. From the moment I arrived I was made to feel welcome and looked after extremely well. Practice Plus Group staff are just amazing and caring.
by M K
Above and beyond
Big shout out to Practice Plus Group Plymouth who went above and beyond to make my day case visit today as comfortable as possible, from the day case nurses to all the theatre staff. Special mention to Carly, Cathy, Amy and Elaine(?) nothing was too much trouble!
by Sue Bentley, Twitter
Portsmouth – brilliant service
I visited [Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, St Mary’s Portsmouth] walk-in centre today and although there were quite a few people already there I was in and out in 15 minutes. They were very efficient and helpful.
by Anonymous
Best hospital I have ever been in
This is the best hospital I have ever been in. The care and efficiency were excellent. My operation was conducted by a top class surgeon and anaesthetist who made me feel relaxed and secure. The team in the Kingfisher ward were kind and professional with good bedside manners and sense of humour. There were no delays in the treatment. My stay was made as comfortable as possible and I thank everyone involved. I am now recovering well.
by Iain Robertson, Google
Portsmouth – Caring staff
I very much appreciate the passion and attentiveness of you and your caring staff at [Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre, St Mary’s Portsmouth].
