How long are you laid up after carpal tunnel surgery?

If you had open surgery on your dominant hand and you do repeated actions at work, you may be able to go back to work in 6 to 8 weeks. Repeated motions include typing or assembly-line work. If the surgery was on the other hand and you don’t do repeated actions at work, you may be able to return to work in 7 to 14 days.

How long will my hand hurt after carpal tunnel surgery?

Regardless of an endoscopic or open approach, some patients undergoing carpal tunnel surgery experience pillar pain. Pillar pain is postsurgical pain at the base of the hand on the palm side. It is considered normal for the first 2-6 weeks after surgery.

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 does it take for carpal tunnel incision to heal?

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.

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.

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.

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.

When should I start physical therapy after carpal tunnel surgery?

Following carpal tunnel release, the patient will have to wear a splint or bandage on the wrist for a period of two weeks. Our orthopedic doctor usually asks patients to undergo physical therapy as soon as the stitches from the surgery are removed.

What can you do 2 weeks after carpal tunnel surgery?

Weeks 2-4: Patients gradually resume activity in the affected hand. Return to work is based on the type of work required—patients with sedentary or desk jobs that don’t require heavy lifting or labor can often return to work. Patients can expect gradually decreasing pain in the palm and soreness to touch.