There are several treatments available for CTS. In most cases, people make a complete recovery with little chance of recurrent symptoms, but the earlier that treatment is started, the better For people with mild symptoms, taking frequent breaks when performing activities that cause pain and reducing swelling by applying cold compresses may be all that is needed. Treatment for more severe symptoms takes two forms: surgical treatments and non-surgical treatments.

Non-surgical treatments are preferred and most people find relief without need for surgery. These include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs (such as aspirin and ibuprofen) may help relieve pain from short-term CTS symptoms caused by strenuous activity or inflammation.
• Wrist splinting: Wearing a splint that holds your wrist in place while you sleep can help relieve symptoms of tingling and numbness if you have only mild to moderate symptoms.
• Corticosteroids: Your doctor may inject corticosteroids (e.g. cortisone) into your carpal tunnel to decrease inflammation and help relieve your pain.
• Exercises: Certain stretching and strengthening exercises can help people whose symptoms are not severe. A physical therapist or occupational therapist can help provide the right exercises. Yoga has also been shown to reduce pain and improve grip strength among patients with CTS.

Surgery to relieve the symptoms of CTS is usually recommended when symptoms are severe and last for more than six months. There are several types of surgery, but all of them involve severing the ligament that forms the top of the carpal tunnel (the transverse carpal ligament) to relieve the pressure on the median nerve. This general procedure, called carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States each year.

The open release method involves making a large (up to two inches) incision in the  palm side of the wrist and then cutting the carpal ligament. The endoscopic method of the surgery involves making one or two tiny incisions and inserting a flexible camera into the wrist. Small surgical tools are then inserted to cut the ligament. This method minimizes scarring and may allow faster recovery than the traditional open release surgery. Both types of surgery can be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

Surgery is usually very successful at relieving CTS symptoms, but some people experience residual effects such as a reduction in wrist strength caused by the cutting of the carpal ligament. Full recovery of function may take months and physical therapy may be required. Patients whose work requires repetitive gripping motions may need to change jobs.