What can I expect after carpal tunnel surgery and recovery?

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.

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.

Why does my hand still hurt after carpal tunnel surgery?

At three months following carpal tunnel surgery, your numbness and pain still could be byproducts of the procedure. Many people find the incision causes pain and irritation as it heals. In addition, a condition called ‘pillar pain,’ which is a localized reaction to the surgery, can lead to discomfort.

How long will my hand hurt after carpal tunnel surgery?

Pain from nerve injury It occurs more often with endoscopic carpal tunnel release 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.

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 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.

Is it worth getting carpal tunnel surgery?

Surgery may be a better choice if you’ve had very bad symptoms for a long time. Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome may give you only a little relief if your symptoms are caused by other health problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, or diabetes.

When can I return to work after carpal tunnel surgery?

When can I return to work? The answer to this question depends on the type of job the patient has. Typically, patients will be able to drive a few days after surgery. After about a week, most patients can write, although there may be some lingering pain. Within 4-6 weeks, writing will become easier.

What is the expected recovery time for carpal tunnel surgery?

The recovery from carpal tunnel surgery takes time – anywhere from several weeks to several months. If the nerve has been compressed for a long period of time, recovery may take even longer. Recovery involves splinting your wrist and getting physical therapy to strengthen and heal the wrist and hand.

When do you start feeling relief after carpal tunnel surgery?

You’ll notice some symptom relief right away. Your goals during recovery are to manage your symptoms and regain pain-free wrist strength and function. Many people experience improved symptoms soon after surgery. It can take 2 to 6 months to see improvements in grip and pinch strength. And full recovery can take up to a year.

How long do stitches stay in after carpal tunnel surgery?

If you have open carpal tunnel release surgery, you typically do not need to stay in the hospital. It is usually done under local anesthetic, and you can go home on the same day. After surgery, the hand is wrapped. The stitches are removed 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.