We use our hands and wrists endless times throughout the day for various tasks, and if you are living with carpal tunnel syndrome, you understand how painful it is getting through day-to-day-tasks.
If your carpal tunnel syndrome is severe and/or other treatments or therapy hasn’t relieved your pain, your doctor may suggest carpal tunnel surgery also referred to as carpal tunnel release.
If you and your doctor have decided it’s best for you to get this surgery, you are probably wondering what post-op life will be like and what to expect after surgery in future days, weeks, and months.
Here are some things to expect after carpal tunnel surgery:
- You will be asked to keep your hand elevated above your heart.
- You will be asked to move your fingers throughout the day to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness.
- You will need to ice the area a few times a day.
- You will likely need to wear a brace or splint for a few weeks.
- You may be out of work for awhile and your doctor can tell you when it’s OK for you to go back and what restrictions you may have for a while.
- You may need to go to a hand therapist if your hand/wrist is still painful or weak after two or more months post op.
- You should massage the palm of the hand to minimize scarring, lower pain, and desensitize the area.
Your recovery and recovery instructions will be unique per your age, health factors, family history, and what conditions your median nerve was in prior to surgery.
Recovery from carpal tunnel surgery can take up to a year. It’s common for the majority of patients to see great and immediate improvements in symptoms, but a lot of people don’t see a change until about three months post op.
Basic recovery timeline:
- 1 week after surgery – Your bandages and stitches will be removed. Physical therapy may be suggested to help with your range of motion, weakness, and stiffness.
- Weeks 2 to 4 after surgery – You will start to do more activities with that hand/wrist. Your pain and soreness in your palm are slowly decreasing.
- One month after surgery – You will likely have full mobility of your hands and finger. You may also be working with a physical therapist to increase your mobility.
- Weeks 6 to 8 after surgery – Your palm may still be a little sore and sensitive to pressure or touch, but you are able to go about your daily activities.
- Two to three months after surgery – Your grip and hand strength should come back, but it could take up to a year to fully recovery.
You don’t have to live with carpal tunnel syndrome – it is treatable. If you are experiencing hand and wrist pain and think you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, don’t wait. Go to a hand and wrist specialist and hand surgeon who can treat you earlier to stop the progression of the syndrome and permanent damage to your median nerve.
Looking for a hand and wrist specialist in Jacksonville, FL?
As hand and wrist specialists and surgeons, our doctors at Hand & Wrist Center in Jacksonville are experienced within the hand and wrist field. They are highly respected in the medical community, and welcome new patients to help alleviate their hand and wrist pain.
At the Hand & Wrist Center, we offer you same or next-day care in the event of an emergency. We have a state-of-the-art surgical facility. Our primary goal is to ease any hand or wrist discomfort you may experience.
We take pride in serving people throughout Fleming Island and Jacksonville. No one should be stuck living with hand or wrist discomfort.
Come visit our main office and meet with a hand and wrist specialist in Jacksonville for the diagnosis and potential treatment you need. For more information on this condition, visit our carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in Jacksonville page.
If you’re looking for hand and wrist specialist in Jacksonville, Florida, the Hand & Wrist Center can help you feel better. Call us at 904-215-2422 for any questions or to book an appointment with one of our specialists.
