Doctors don't all agree on the answer to this question. Some warn that the result is poor for severe disease. Others report good recovery even after long-standing nerve pressure.

Overall it seems that complete return to normal is more likely when carpal tunnel syndrome is treated early. Muscle weakness or muscle wasting before surgery points to a poor result. Constant pain and numbness is also a sign that recovery may be limited.

In a recent study at the University of Rochester, results of carpal tunnel release in older adults (over 70 years) are reported favorably.