The operation involves a cut being made at the base of the palm. The scar is made in a natural skin crease so should not be too visible once it settles. The scar can be sore for a few weeks after surgery. You should be discharged with a dressing that
supports and protects the incision but which leaves the fingers free for movement. Dressings should be kept dry, so when bathing it is advisable to cover your dressing using a large-sized rubber glove or a plastic bag. Not everyone needs to see a physiotherapist after surgery unless there is a problem with scar pain or stiffness. Some general rules that are useful for everyone are: The pain and tingling you
experienced at night before the operation should settle immediately. If you have established numbness, dryness, lost dexterity or wasting of the muscle at the base of the thumb, then recovery of these problems is uncertain, especially as you get older. Ideally, surgery should be performed before these problems develop. Your stitches will be removed at about 10 to 14 days after the operation. RecoveryYou will find that your grip is weaker than before the
operation and slightly uncomfortable. This can be a bit frustrating but you should be back to full power by 6 to 12 weeks as healing occurs. Exercises such as squeezing balls will not speed up the process, and if overdone this can actually delay your recovery. PainkillersThe operation is not usually so painful. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen should be enough for the first few days. Carpal tunnel surgery is a routine procedure used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, an overuse condition that develops from performing repetitive movements or a genetic disposition. The carpal tunnel consists of the transverse carpal ligament on top of the wrist and the wrist bones below. When tissues in this area swell, they put pressure on the median nerve, leading to numbness and pain. Symptoms tend to worsen over time. Often referred to as carpal tunnel release, surgery offers an opportunity for relief from the symptoms. The surgeon cuts through the ligament applying pressure on the carpal tunnel, creating additional room for the tendon and median nerves. What to Expect From Carpal Tunnel SurgeryWith minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, your doctor can relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome without the need for large incisions. In a single-portal surgery, you receive one tiny incision in the wrist. In a two-portal surgery, you receive an incision in the palm and wrist. The endoscope or a camera attached to a thin, flexible tube enters through the wrist incision to help your doctor see the carpal ligament. After your doctor locates the carpal ligament, he will insert tiny tools into your incisions to cut and release the ligament. For a single-portal surgery, the endoscope contains a camera and a cutting tool, whereas, in a two-portal surgery, your doctor will insert a cutting tool through the palm. Cutting this ligament helps relieve median nerve pressure and eliminate your symptoms. Once your doctor cuts the ligament and removes his tools, he will close your incisions with stitches. How Long Does Recovery Take?You can return home on the same day once your carpal tunnel surgery is complete. The timeline to full recovery may vary depending on the severity of your carpal tunnel symptoms. Most patients experience minor pain and stiffness after surgery, which will fade over time. Your doctor will also give you some exercise to perform to prevent your hand from becoming stiff. How to Take Care of Your Hand After Carpal Tunnel SurgeryMost patients wear a splint or heavy bandage for up to two weeks after surgery. You may need to have a follow-up appointment to remove the dressing. If your hand is in a splint following the surgery, you should be sure to move your fingers periodically to combat stiffness. To reduce the swelling in your hand after surgery, you may have to keep your hand elevated while you sleep. Following the removal of the splint, it’s time to begin physical therapy. You’ll engage in motion exercises to strengthen your wrist and hand, though you may still have to occasionally use the splint when your hand hurts. Your surgeon may restrict your activities for some time after the surgery. For instance, if your work involves typing, you may have to stay home for a while or modify your work. How you progress after surgery depends on a number of factors, including:
You will see immediate progress soon after the surgery, but it could be three months to a year before you realize all the benefits of the procedure. Grip strength returns about three months afterward, and you can begin participating in sports about two months later as long as you don’t experience a lot of pain. What to Expect From Physical TherapyAttending physical therapy after your carpal tunnel surgery is vital for preventing scar tissue formation and restoring strength to your wrist. Your physical therapy treatment may include:
Pain and Numbness After Carpal Tunnel SurgeryYour surgeon usually bandages your hand following carpal tunnel surgery. You may notice it feels numb, a sensation that comes and goes. It could also feel tingly before becoming numb. It’s normal to feel some pain or discomfort following carpal tunnel surgery. Your hand may feel pain for several weeks afterward. If it persists for longer than that, you should talk to your doctor. Your surgeon may prescribe medicine to help you with the pain, and you can also ice the area to reduce swelling. Driving After Carpal Tunnel SurgeryYou can resume driving once you have regained the full functionality of your hand. You need to be able to react quickly when you drive, and if your hand still hurts, your reaction time may be compromised. Tips for Avoiding Carpal Tunnel Post-RecoveryAfter recovering from surgery, the last thing you want to do is risk developing carpal tunnel syndrome again. Fortunately, there are many methods to reduce your risk of developing severe symptoms. Taking breaks from repetitive activities, improving your posture and following ergonomic guidelines are a few examples of ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome at home, at work or while gaming. When to Call a DoctorIt’s essential to attend all follow-up and physical therapy appointments after surgery. If you are experiencing any of the following, call your doctor immediately:
Call emergency care immediately if you lose consciousness or are experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath. Contact OrthoBethesda to Learn MoreDo you need carpal tunnel surgery or have questions about the procedure? Contact our office today or make an appointment with our team.  Will my hand go back to normal after carpal tunnel surgery?Your doctor will take out your stitches in 1 to 2 weeks. Your hand and wrist may feel worse than they used to feel. But the pain should start to go away. It usually takes 3 to 4 months to recover and up to 1 year before hand strength returns.
What is expected after carpal tunnel surgery?Your wrist will likely be in a heavy bandage or a splint for 1 to 2 weeks. Doctors usually schedule another appointment to remove the bandage or splint. During this time, you may be encouraged to move your fingers to help prevent stiffness. You'll probably have pain in your hand and wrist after surgery.
How long should my hand be swollen after carpal tunnel surgery?Swelling is normal after hand surgery, and it typically lasts for about one week. Reducing swelling will not only help ease your pain, but it will also help you heal.
How long are you laid up with carpal tunnel surgery?Two weeks after surgery you should be able to return to most of your activities except those that require direct pressure on the palm. By six weeks there should be no restrictions on your activities.
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What does your hand look like after carpal tunnel surgery
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