It is possible for mild carpal tunnel syndrome to heal on its own, but whether or not it does depends on the specific cause. If the swelling is caused by overuse of the wrist joint and excessive flexion and extension of the fingers, which causes the tendons to rub against the tissues in the carpal tunnel, mild carpal tunnel syndrome can heal on its own after rest. However, if a mild carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a swelling such as a tendon sheath cyst or a lipoma within the carpal tunnel, it is unlikely to heal on its own even after resting because the swelling does not get smaller, and it may get worse as the swelling grows larger and larger. In the case of mild carpal tunnel syndrome due to scar tissue, it is also generally difficult to heal on its own unless the scar is removed.