Carpal tunnel release surgery is a procedure designed to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. The ligament at the base of the palm and wrist can become thickened, pinching the nerve here and leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in your hand and fingers. During the surgery, the surgeon cuts the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel, which relieves pressure on the median nerve. This allows the nerve to heal and helps restore normal hand function, reducing or eliminating the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.