Private Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery in London

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are conveniently accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and beyond.

By Tube:

• St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
• Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.

By Bus:

• Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
• Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
• Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.

Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.

Our hospital ensures convenient access for patients across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.

Carpal tunnel is a very common condition caused by pressure on the median nerve, which is one of the main nerves in the hand. The median nerve enters the hand through the carpal tunnel, which is a small space in the wrist. If the tissue inside the carpal tunnel becomes inflamed and swells, it can put pressure on the median nerve, causing pain and numbness.

In most patients, the cause of CTS is not clear. However, you’re at higher risk if you:

• Have diabetes, a low thyroid condition or arthritis in the wrist
• Are pregnant
• Have had a recent wrist injury

When the median nerve is under pressure, it can cause a number of symptoms. In milder cases, these can come and go with time and often flare up at night or first thing in the morning. In more moderate or severe cases, the symptoms can be present all the time, day and night. They can also come on with certain activities, such as holding a phone or reading a paper/electronic device.

The classic symptoms are:

• An ache or pain in your fingers, hand and sometimes arm
• Numbness in the hand
• Burning, tingling or pins and needles in the fingers – usually the thumb, index, middle and ring
• Weakness in the hand or difficulty gripping

Your doctor will examine the feeling in your fingers and the strength of your hand muscles. They may assess your wrist by bending, tapping, or pressing on it to confirm a diagnosis. In some cases, a nerve conduction study may be recommended. This measures electrical pulses in your nerves and muscles to diagnose carpal tunnel or rule out other conditions.

Milder cases can often be managed without surgery. Treatments include:

• Avoiding activities that trigger symptoms.
• Wearing a wrist splint at night.
• Corticosteroid injections, which can provide temporary relief and are performed quickly in our outpatient clinic.

If symptoms worsen or other treatments are unsuccessful, carpal tunnel release surgery may be needed.

The procedure takes 10–20 minutes and is usually done under local anaesthetic. A small incision is made at the base of the palm, and the surgeon releases the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the nerve. The incision is closed with stitches, and a dressing and bandage are applied. You will return home the same day and will need someone to accompany you as you won’t be able to drive.

Recovery from carpal tunnel release surgery involves rest, keeping the hand elevated to reduce swelling, and gentle hand exercises. Most patients can return to light activities within one to two weeks, with full recovery typically taking six to eight weeks.

Recovery includes:

• Wearing a bulky bandage for a few days to a week.
• Avoiding heavy lifting and keeping the wound dry for at least two weeks.
• Taking over-the-counter painkillers if needed.
  You’ll have a follow-up appointment after two weeks to remove stitches and start light hand exercises. Full recovery, including resolving pins and needles, may take three months, with some residual numbness settling over six months to a year.

• Desk jobs: 2–3 weeks.
• Manual labour: Avoid heavy lifting for at least two weeks.
• Driving: Usually safe after 7–10 days, with your doctor’s advice.
• Sports: Light activities are fine after 10 days, but avoid heavy exercises or lifting for longer. Always consult your doctor for guidance.

The surgery is performed under local or general anaesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort may be experienced as the hand heals, but this can be managed with medication and care instructions from your surgeon.

Carpal tunnel release surgery is generally safe, but like any procedure, it carries some risks, such as infection, nerve damage, or temporary stiffness. Your consultant will discuss these risks with you before surgery.