What happens the day after carpal tunnel surgery?

Your hand will hurt and may feel weak with some numbness. This usually goes away in a few days, but it may take several months. Your doctor may remove the large bandage, or he or she will tell you when and how to remove it yourself. In some cases, you may have a splint.

What should I expect the day of carpal tunnel surgery?

Expect to have pain, swelling, and stiffness after the operation. Your doctor will let you know what medicines might help. You may have some soreness for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after surgery. Your bandage will stay on for 1-2 weeks.

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.

How long does it take to feel normal after carpal tunnel surgery?

Grip and hand strength usually come back within 2-3 months after surgery, but it can take up to a year to fully recover. By one year, you should be receiving all the benefits of your surgery. The good news is that this condition is very treatable.

How long does pain last after carpal tunnel surgery?

Most times this pain goes away in 1-3 months. However, feelings like numbness, itching or burning may take its place. And those feelings can last years - or be permanent. The typical nerve injury occurs to one of two smaller nerve branches in the hand.

Post-op Instructions - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Dr. Brutus

How does your hand feel 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 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.

How do you shower 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.

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.

Should my fingers still be numb after carpal tunnel surgery?

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.

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.

Can I drive after carpal tunnel surgery?

It is sensible to wait until your wound has healed to prevent your stitches from loosening and your wound opening. This usually takes 10-14 days. Most people are able to begin gentle driving approximately two weeks after their carpal tunnel surgery.

How many stitches do you get after carpal tunnel surgery?

The method of open carpal tunnel release surgery requires the doctor to make a 2-3 inch long cut in your palm. The doctor then cuts the ligament holding your wrist bones together. This relieves internal pressure which helps to resolve symptoms. Then the cut is stitched closed with about a dozen sutures.

Is carpal tunnel release a major surgery?

Carpal tunnel surgery, although considered minor by some, is still surgery that requires some type of anesthetic, which ranges from local anesthesia, where a numbing agent is placed directly in the hand, to general anesthesia, where you are sleep for the surgery.

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.

What is the fastest way to recover from carpal tunnel surgery?

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.

How long should I keep my hand elevated after carpal tunnel surgery?

You may experience some swelling in your fingers and hand, this is normal. To Page 2 help relieve this please keep your hand elevated for 48 hours and then avoid leaving it hanging down for long periods of time.

When can I wash dishes after carpal tunnel surgery?

After 48 hours you may remove the bandage and shower. While showering, you may use soap and water, but be sure to pat the incision dry. It is important that you do not submerge your surgical incision in water (i.e. no bath tubs, swimming pools, washing dishes, etc.).

Can you eat or drink before carpal tunnel surgery?

Surgeons also suggest patients stop medications prone to blood clotting. Have a big lunch the day before. Patients should stop eating and drinking 12 hours before surgery. Carpal tunnel release surgery happens using two basic surgical procedures.

Should I wear a brace after carpal tunnel surgery?

Care of the immediate area around the carpal tunnel after surgery mainly requires wearing the brace. It serves as a wound protector as well as a wrist stabilizer. With endoscopic surgery, you may only need the brace for 3-4 weeks. But after open release surgery, you may need it for 1-2 more months.

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.

Should I move my fingers after wrist surgery?

Start to exercise your fingers, thumb, elbow and shoulder immediately after surgery. It is important to keep these joints moving to stop them from stiffening. Initially, it might feel uncomfortable to do these exercises but with regular practice they will become easier and your movement will improve.

What does it feel like when nerves are healing after surgery?

As your nerve recovers, the area the nerve supplies may feel quite unpleasant and tingly. This may be accompanied by an electric shock sensation at the level of the growing nerve fibres; the location of this sensation should move as the nerve heals and grows.

Where do they cut you for carpal tunnel surgery?

A small surgical cut is made in the palm of your hand near your wrist. Next, the ligament that covers the carpal tunnel is cut. This eases the pressure on the median nerve. Sometimes, tissue around the nerve is removed as well.