The short answer
Mild carpal tunnel syndrome is usually treated first with a wrist splint worn at night, and a steroid injection can help if the splint is not enough. Surgery to release the nerve is advised when symptoms are constant or severe, when there is numbness that does not go away or weakness and wasting at the base of the thumb, or when other treatments have failed. It is usually a short day-case operation under local anaesthetic.
Book carpal tunnel release, from ₦422,400Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
What carpal tunnel syndrome is
The median nerve passes through a tight tunnel at the front of the wrist. When it is squeezed, you get tingling, pins and needles, numbness or pain in the thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger. It is typically worse at night and many people wake up shaking the hand. It is common in women, in pregnancy, and in people with diabetes, an underactive thyroid or arthritis, and in work with repeated gripping.
Step one: splint and changes at work
A wrist splint that keeps the wrist straight at night is the usual first treatment, and many people improve within weeks. Breaking up repetitive gripping tasks helps. If carpal tunnel started in pregnancy, it often settles after the baby is born, so surgery is usually not the first choice then.
Step two: steroid injection
A steroid injection into the wrist can reduce swelling around the nerve. Many people get relief, though for some the symptoms come back after months. It is a reasonable option for mild to moderate symptoms, or to buy time. Injections are not repeated many times into the same wrist.
When surgery is the better choice
- Numbness that is there all the time, not just at night
- Weakness, dropping things, or difficulty with buttons and picking up coins
- Visible wasting of the muscle at the base of the thumb
- Nerve tests showing moderate or severe compression
- Symptoms that return or persist after a splint and injection
What carpal tunnel release involves
The surgeon cuts the tight ligament over the nerve to make more room. It is usually done under local anaesthetic as a day case, through a small cut in the palm. You go home with a bandage and keep the hand raised for the first days. Light use of the hand is encouraged early, but heavy gripping waits several weeks. Night tingling often improves quickly; long-standing numbness and weakness recover more slowly and may not recover fully, which is why waiting too long is not wise. Your surgeon will tell you when you can drive and return to work.
Tests before deciding
Diagnosis is mostly from your symptoms and an examination. A nerve conduction study measures how badly the nerve is squeezed and helps decide on surgery. Your doctor may also check your blood sugar and thyroid. Neck problems can cause similar tingling, so the doctor will look at that too.
What it costs on Mezo
One fixed price, paid online.
Common questions
Will carpal tunnel go away on its own?
Mild cases sometimes settle, especially in pregnancy or after changing a repetitive task. Constant numbness or weakness usually does not, and needs treatment to protect the nerve.
Is carpal tunnel surgery painful?
The local anaesthetic numbs the hand during the operation. The palm is sore for some days afterwards and painkillers usually control it.
How much is carpal tunnel surgery on Mezo?
Carpal tunnel release is from ₦422,400. A written all-in quote follows the assessment, and you pay online.
Can I do both hands at once?
Some surgeons do, but most do one hand at a time so you have a working hand during recovery. Discuss it with your surgeon.
The procedures
Related health guides
More patient guides
Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 22 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.