What can I do Immediately after carpal tunnel surgery?

How long till you can use your hand after carpal tunnel surgery?

You can use your hand lightly in the first 2 weeks, but it helps to avoid too much strain. Slowly, you can get back to more normal activities, like: Driving (a couple of days after surgery) Writing (after a week, but expect 4-6 weeks before it feels easier.)

How do you sleep after carpal tunnel surgery?

Your surgeon might teach you the “hand above elbow, elbow above heart” rule. When sleeping, it may help to use a large mound of pillows, either beside you or on your chest, to keep your hand and wrist in this elevated position.

What happens first week after carpal tunnel surgery?

In general, these are the milestones that patients can expect with carpal tunnel release: About 1 week after surgery: The bandage and stitches are removed. Patients may be referred to physical therapy to improve stiffness and restore range of motion. Weeks 2-4: Patients gradually resume activity in the affected hand.

Can you overdo it after carpal tunnel surgery?

After the carpal tunnel incision has healed, hand activity is not harmful to the recovery process. Doing too much with the hands after surgery can be sore, but it does not cause long-lasting damage. Eventually, pillar pain gets better with time.

Exercises to do AFTER CARPAL TUNNEL SURGERY

Should I move my fingers after carpal tunnel surgery?

What happens 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.

How painful is it after carpal tunnel surgery?

Pain after carpal tunnel surgery is common. In fact, almost all patients experience some degree of pain in their first few days. But persistent pain for several days to weeks is abnormal. You should contact your doctor if this happens.

How long after carpal tunnel surgery can I shower?

Keep your incision dry, but it is okay to take a shower and wash your hands. Please do not put your operative hand in a tub, pool, hot tub or sink of water for 2 weeks after surgery. Keep the surgical wound covered with a band aid or bandage for the first week.

How do you sleep after hand surgery?

The best way to do this comfortably is to lie flat on your back with your hand resting on a few pillows. Elevate your hand for at least three days after surgery.

How should I elevate my hands while sleeping?

Positions in bed

Lie down on your back, and elevate your affected arm on 1 to 2 pillows. If your hand is more swollen than the rest of your arm, elevate your hand on a larger pillow than the rest of your arm.

What can you not do after wrist surgery?

Do not do any weight-lifting or strengthening exercises without talking with your surgeon or occupational therapist. Most patients will be able to perform most activities of daily living at about 6 weeks but with residual stiffness, with recovery of about 50% of their normal wrist motion.

Can I use a heating pad after carpal tunnel surgery?

Most doctors agree that using heat is the better way to “treat” carpal tunnel syndrome. Unlike ice, heat promotes healing and restoration of damaged tissues. The healing process is what will ultimately make the inflammation disappear for good. Therefore, a hot towel or heating pad will do just fine.

What pain meds are given after carpal tunnel surgery?

o Hydrocodone with acetaminophen (Vicodin, Norco, Lortab) ▪ 1-2 pills every 4-6 hours as needed ▪ This medication requires the actual written prescription for any refill and cannot be called in.

How long are fingers numb after carpal tunnel surgery?

The tingling tends to go away immediately, while the numbness does tend to slowly resolve. Though they still have numbness in their fingers, their function is much improved because the tingling and pain is gone and typically the numbness also resolves, though it can take up to 6-12 months postoperatively.

How do you shower after hand surgery?

To take a shower safely: Before you shower, wrap your operated arm or hand in plastic (such as a plastic bag) to protect the area. Remove the plastic wrap after your shower. Keep the dressing on until it is taken off by your surgeon or the stitches have been removed.

How many days should I ice after surgery?

You should keep ice on the shoulder frequently for the first 48-72 hours after surgery. We recommend icing 2-3 times pre day for the first week especially before sleep.

When can I drive after hand surgery?

Immediately After Hand Surgery

Even if your procedure was not outpatient, someone will have to drive you home from the hospital once you are discharged – and most hospitals and clinics now require that the driver be someone you personally know.

Can I get my stitches wet after carpal tunnel surgery?

Once the surgical dressing is removed, keep the wound and your skin clean. Soap and water are an excellent skin cleanser, and it is OK to get everything wet in a shower with running water. Avoid immersing your wound under water until the sutures are removed.

Can I drink alcohol after carpal tunnel surgery?

Alcohol: Do not drink any alcohol (beer, wine, spirits) for one week after surgery. Food and Fluids: You may be constipated so have light meals with plenty of fluids (preferably 6-8 glasses of water per day).

Does hot water worsen carpal tunnel?

These baths can help reduce carpal tunnel swelling. To do this therapy, soak your hand in warm water for five to 10 minutes, then in cold water for one minute, then back and forth between hot and cold. You typically do this twice each day.

Do ice baths help carpal tunnel?

Self-Care. To help ease the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, you may want to put ice on your wrist or soak it in an ice bath. Try it for 10 to 15 minutes, once or twice an hour. You can also gently shake your wrist or hang it over the side of your bed for pain that wakes you up at night.

How long after wrist surgery can I move my fingers?

For some people, it can take between six and twelve months for you to be able to use your hand as normal. Pain and swelling are normal symptoms after surgery.

What is the fastest way to recover from wrist surgery?

How do you bend your fingers after surgery?

Be sure to bend your fingers as much as you can and place your thumb around the outside of your fingers. Do this for several seconds, then straighten and spread your fingers as far apart as you can. You can also grip a ball or other round, solid object in the palm of your hand to increase resistance.

How do I raise my arm after carpal tunnel surgery?

It's important to elevate your arm above your heart. Often, you can do this comfortably by lying on your back and gently resting your hand on several pillows. You should keep your hand elevated for several days after surgery. You may find it challenging to find a good sleeping position after hand surgery.