Surgery for wrist pain

Is surgery right for wrist pain?

Most people with wrist pain improve with non-surgical care. Surgery is usually considered only when there is a clear structural issue, nerve compression, or pain that has not improved with a good trial of rehabilitation. Many wrist problems come from tendons, ligaments, or nerves that respond well to physical therapy, splinting, and activity changes.

Your doctor may discuss surgery if pain keeps limiting daily tasks, if you have ongoing numbness or weakness from nerve pressure, or if imaging shows a fracture or ligament injury that is not stable. Even in these situations, decisions are made together after reviewing your goals, lifestyle, and how your symptoms affect you. Surgery is not the automatic next step. Each person’s situation is different, so shared decision making is essential^{1 2 3}.

Common surgical options for wrist pain

Here are common procedures your doctor may discuss depending on the cause of your symptoms.

• Carpal tunnel release: This procedure frees pressure on the median nerve (one of the most important wrist and hand nerves) when symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness do not improve with non-surgical care. It can be done through an open (1,5 to 2 cm scar) or endoscopic approach (through small holes), and both have similar long-term results³.
• Ligament repair or reconstruction: Significant ligament tears, such as wrist small bone ligaments or forearm bone ligaments injuries, may need stabilization if they cause ongoing pain or a feeling of giving way².
• TFCC repair or debridement: The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) on the little finger side of the wrist (group of cartilage and ligaments that acts as a shock absorber and a stabilizer) may be repaired or smoothed if there is persistent pain or instability that does not improve with conservative care⁴.
• Surgery for fractures: Some unstable fractures may need surgical fixation (with metal devices) to help the bone heal in the best position^{1 2}.
• Ganglion cyst (liquid-filled benign bump) excision: If a cyst keeps coming back or causes pain and pressure, your surgeon may discuss removing it. Cyst aspiration is an option, but there is risk of the cyst coming back⁵.

What to expect during recovery

Recovery after wrist surgery varies based on the procedure, your health, and how long symptoms were present before surgery. It is common to experience soreness, swelling, and stiffness in the first days to weeks. Your doctor may recommend a period of protection or splinting followed by structured rehabilitation.

Early recovery often focuses on swelling and pain control and gentle movement. As healing progresses, exercises help restore motion, strength, and confidence in using your hand. Many people can return to light daily tasks within a few weeks, but heavier activities may take longer. Some procedures, such as ligament repairs, may require a longer period of protection.

Possible risks include infection, bleeding, ongoing stiffness, nerve irritation, incomplete relief, or the need for another procedure in the future. These risks are uncommon, and your surgeon will discuss what applies to your specific situation. Recovery times differ widely, so it is important to follow your care team’s guidance and listen to your body^{1 3 4 5}.

Can surgery be avoided?

For many people, surgery is not needed. Most tendon, nerve, and soft tissue problems improve with a combination of education, activity changes, and structured physical therapy. Splints, topical anti-inflammatory gels, and targeted exercises often reduce pain enough to return to daily tasks. Early conservative care is strongly supported by clinical guidelines^{1 2 3}.

Digital physical therapy programs like Sword Health can help you follow a structured plan safely at home. In a randomized controlled trial, Sword’s digital program matched conventional in person physical therapy for improving pain and function in chronic musculoskeletal conditions⁶.

If you want to learn more about non-surgical options, visit the Physical Therapy for Wrist Pain page.

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

Guidelines for wrist and hand conditions recommend starting with a careful history and exam and trying non-surgical care, including exercise and splinting, before considering advanced imaging or surgery. This approach helps ensure the right problem is treated at the right time and avoids unnecessary procedures^{1 3}.