Is surgery right for hand pain?
Most people with hand pain improve without surgery. Surgery is considered only when symptoms continue to limit daily life despite consistent conservative care. Reasons a doctor may discuss surgery include ongoing numbness or tingling, painful locking of a finger, thumb-base pain that prevents gripping, or wrist pain that does not improve with splints, injections, or exercise. These patterns often relate to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, de Quervain’s, or thumb osteoarthritis.
Even when pain feels severe, surgery is not the automatic next step. Decisions are based on your specific diagnosis, your goals, and how much the pain affects daily tasks. A shared conversation with your doctor helps you understand all options and decide what feels right for you.
Common surgical options for hand pain
Surgery depends on the underlying cause of pain. Your doctor may discuss one or more of these procedures:
- Carpal tunnel release Designed to take pressure off the median nerve by opening the tight ligament at the wrist. Often considered when numbness, tingling, or weakness do not improve with splinting or injections1.
- Trigger finger release Frees the tendon where it is caught at the base of the finger. Used when the finger continues to lock or catch despite rest or injections2.
- de Quervain release Creates more space for the thumb tendons on the wrist when pain persists after splinting and injection3.
- Thumb CMC (basal joint) surgeryProcedures like sore bone removal (trapeziectomy), reshape the painful joint or replace the thumb joint (arthroplasty). Reserved for advanced osteoarthritis that limits gripping and pinching after non-surgical care4.
These surgeries target different tissues, but the goal is similar: reduce pain and help you use your hand more comfortably.
What to expect during recovery
Recovery varies based on the procedure and your overall health. Most people start with rest and gentle movement, then progress to strengthening and functional use over several weeks.
Common experiences include:
- Soreness and swelling around the incision or joint
- Temporary stiffness that improves with guided movement
- Activity limits, such as avoiding forceful gripping early on
- Return to daily activities that gradually increases over 4–12 weeks, depending on the surgery and your healing pace1 4
Possible risks include infection, scar tenderness, incomplete relief, nerve irritation, or the need for another procedure later on1 2 4. Most people recover well, but every hand and every surgery heals differently. Clear expectations and a good rehab plan help you feel prepared.
Did you know?
- For carpal tunnel syndrome, night-time wrist splints alone often ease numbness and tingling in mild to moderate cases1.
- People who stay consistent with guided exercise programs tend to recover better and may avoid unnecessary surgery. Digital programs can improve adherence, helping more people complete their rehabilitation6.
Can surgery be avoided?
Many people recover from hand pain without surgery. Conditions like mild carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, de Quervain’s, and thumb osteoarthritis often respond well to splints, guided exercises, activity changes, and injections.
Studies show that early conservative care improves long-term outcomes for conditions like hand osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome1 4. Education, load management, and movement training help calm irritated tissues and restore confidence in using your hand.
Sword Health programs also support recovery with structured exercise, coaching, and education. Digital care models have been shown to improve adherence and reduce dropout rates, which is closely linked to better outcomes5.
If your symptoms are getting in the way of daily life, consider trying the Physical Therapy for Hand Pain program before exploring surgery.
How Sword can support you before and after surgery
Physical therapy can play an important role in preparing for surgery, supporting recovery, and, in some cases, helping people manage symptoms without surgery. Sword offers physical therapy programs designed to support you at different points along that journey.
Sword supports recovery before and after surgery, with care designed to fit into your life. You receive high-quality physical therapy at home, guided by licensed clinicians and supported by smart technology.
- Care that adapts as your body and recovery needs change
- Licensed physical therapists guiding your care at every stage
- Non-invasive, evidence-based physical therapy programs
Support for preparation, recovery, and long-term movement health
Clinical insight
