Recovering from Carpal Tunnel Surgery: A Beginner’s Guide
If you are reading this article, it is likely that you have recently had carpal tunnel surgery, or that you are preparing for one of your own. You may be wondering what to expect in the weeks and months after carpal tunnel surgery. This blog post will provide a general overview of carpal tunnel surgery recovery, including information on how long healing typically takes and when it is safe to use your hands again.
surgery itself
The first thing you should know is that carpal tunnel surgery can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of your condition. The entire procedure usually involves cutting a ligament in your wrist, called the transverse carpal ligament, which gives your hand more room to move. After carpal tunnel surgery, it is important to move your hand and wrist regularly to improve range of motion.
During hospitalization
Your surgeon will usually recommend staying in the hospital for a few hours. This is because carpal tunnel surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day the surgery is completed. However, sometimes doctors prefer to keep patients overnight in case any complications arise or extra time is needed to monitor their recovery. This may depend on your overall health.
recovery process
What to expect after carpal tunnel surgery when you go home? After surgery, you will be asked to wear a splint or cast for several weeks while the ligaments heal. This will make it difficult to use your hands normally at first, but there are a few ways to help you with this process:
- You should continue to keep your hands above heart level for a few days. This may be difficult at first, but it will help you avoid swelling and pain and improve blood flow, speeding up the healing process.
- You may get tired of using ice packs quickly, but they are vital in preventing or minimizing the swelling that occurs after surgery.
During the first week after surgery, your doctor will want you to return to their office so they can monitor your hand as it heals. You may need to follow up at least once more after this.
Within two weeks, your mobility should begin to increase, and 4-6 weeks after surgery, you should find that you are able to use your hands as well as before. Keep in mind that you may feel pain for up to two months. If the condition is severe, we can help you with Chicago pain management.
Recovering from carpal tunnel surgery is a long process, but it is necessary to ensure that you do not develop any permanent damage or problems with your hands in the future. For more information about carpal tunnel surgery and wrist pain treatment, contact the Illinois Pain and Spine Institute. We help people in Chicago manage carpal tunnel syndrome.
For more information about this condition, read: Top Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
