What Is the Average Recovery Time for Wrist Surgery?

Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgical procedures and the most common wrist surgery, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Full recovery takes up to a year.

What Happens After Surgery

• Some patients are relieved of carpal tunnel-related numbness and tingling immediately. You'll be splinted for about a week, says Medline Plus; the University of Maryland Medical Center advises that you expect the wrist to be incapacitated for at least two weeks.

Going Back to Work

• This wrist surgery is associated with an average 28-day leave from work, according to a 2007 Bureau of Labor Statistics Report. Returning too soon to the repetitive work that necessitated the surgery can cause symptoms to flare.

The Effect of Surgical Technique

• UMMC estimates that patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery take about a month to return to work, with open-surgery patients taking longer. Condition severity also affects recovery time.

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy hasn't been shown to speed recovery or improve surgical outcomes, says UMMC. However, your doctor likely will prescribe a physical therapy regimen, says NINDS.

Peak Improvement

• The highest level of grip strength and dexterity a patient will recover is achieved around 10 months after surgery, says UMMC. The scar may be tender for about a year post-op.