Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is the most common way to fix the issue for most people suffering from unbearable wrist or hand pain, tingling, or numbness. Do not panic, the procedure is easier than you think.

In this blog, we will cover carpal tunnel surgery, the recovery period after surgery, the major restrictions after having the surgery, some useful exercises, and how to ensure you are properly taken care of during recovery.

What is carpal tunnel surgery?

Carpal tunnel surgery is a surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. This is done when the nerve in your wrist gets squeezed, causing pain, numbness. In this surgery doctor makes a small cut and loosens the tight band inside your wrist. It gives more space to you, and you can move and feel better.

When does carpal tunnel surgery fit the most?

The surgery is recommended when :

  • When there is constant numbness and tightening in the fingers
  • Your hands feel weak, and things easily slip through your grip
  • Non-surgical methods fail to help you

In such cases, early surgery can prevent further damage and protect hand function

Carpal tunnel surgery recovery time and what to expect

  • First few days: there will be mild pain, swelling, and stiffness, which is common. Light movement of the finger will help with recovery faster.
  • 1-2 weeks: the stitches are usually removed, and daily basic tasks become easier
  • 3-6 weeks: You can start experiencing hand strength returning. With medical approval, a person can start typing, driving, and performing all essential tasks
  • 2-3 months: people recover fully, grip strength may take some time if nerves are damaged severely

Carpal tunnel surgery recovery and work time off

The length of your recovery and how soon you can go back to work will be determined by the type of job that you do. Talk to your surgeon about when it is okay to go back to work.

Restrictions after carpal tunnel surgery

For the fast and smooth recovery, avoid:

  • In the first few weeks, avoid forceful gripping and lifting heavy weights.
  • Try not to wet the surgical cut until it's healed properly.
  • Typing for a long time, doing heavy household chores.

Proper rest gives less stress on the nerves, which helps in fast recovery.

The role of exercises after carpal tunnel surgery

Simple hand and wrist exercises will help prevent stiffness and in flexibility, but only after a doctor's advice. Here are some simple exercises that you can perform.

  • Wrist rotations: to regain mobility, soft ball squeeze, rotate the wrist in small circles.
  • Softball squeeze: to build grip strength, squeeze a foam ball lightly.
  • Finger bends: keeping the joint flexible, slowly bend and straight each finger.
  • Thumb stretches: move your thumb away from your palm and return after 2,3 seconds.

How to speed up recovery

  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet for fast tissue healing.
  • Follow all the instructions given by the doctor to avoid wound infection.
  • If you feel any discomfort, use a cloth-wrapped ice pack.
  • Try not to overuse the operated hand until the doctor advises or until it's fully recovered.
  • Keep your hand elevated for a few days to avoid swelling.

When to call your doctor after surgery

Pain, swelling, and stiffness after the carpal surgery are normal, but there are some symptoms that should not be ignored; call the doctor right away:

  • If you feel intense and increasing pain.
  • If you see discharge or redness around the wound.
  • Consistent weakness or numbness.
  • Stiffness does not improve even after gentle movement.

Conclusion:

Every person recovers differently, as on their conditions and habits. Although these guidelines offer everything or steps for recovering from Carpal tunnel surgery, your specific schedule and recovery activities will be unique to you.

Dr. Yugal Karkhur, an orthopaedic surgeon in Gurgaon, has more than 14 years of expertise. He offers complete care for different orthopaedic conditions and gives clear exercise and self-care plans on how to manage pain and swelling, as well as how to restart daily routines safely. This care allows most patients to regain pain-free motion in their hands and confidence in the use of their hands for various tasks.