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After surgery

After Carpal Tunnel Release

What to expect in the first few days and weeks after your carpal tunnel surgery, and how to get the best result.

The carpal tunnel and median nerve
The carpal tunnel and the median nerve passing through it. Source: Wikimedia Commons (public domain).

What was done

The ligament that makes the roof of the carpal tunnel was cut to take pressure off the median nerve. You have a small incision in the palm covered with a soft dressing.

The first 5 days

  • Keep the dressing on, clean, and dry.
  • Keep the hand elevated above the level of your heart as much as possible. This is the single most helpful thing you can do to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Move the fingers often: make a gentle fist and open the hand fully, many times a day. Full finger motion from the start prevents stiffness.
  • You may gently use the hand for light tasks (eating, getting dressed, typing a phone). Do not grip, lift, or push with the hand yet.
  • No lifting more than 5 pounds (about a gallon of milk) with the surgical hand.

Day 5: dressing comes off

  • Remove the dressing 5 days after surgery. You can shower and get the incision wet with soap and water. Pat it dry.
  • Cover the incision with a simple adhesive bandage for another few days, or leave it open once it is dry and closed.
  • Do not soak the hand (no baths, pools, hot tubs) for 2 weeks after surgery.

Pain and swelling

  • Most people take over-the-counter pain medicine (acetaminophen/Tylenol or ibuprofen/Advil) for the first few days. Many do not need the prescription pain medicine at all.
  • Ice over the dressing (20 minutes on, 20 off) helps swelling in the first 2 to 3 days.
  • "Pillar pain" is common: soreness on either side of the incision when you press on the palm. It is normal and fades over 6 to 12 weeks.
  • The numbness and tingling you had before surgery may improve right away or over several weeks. Severe cases can take several months to recover.

Activity

  • Driving: when you can make a fist, have full finger motion, and feel safe one-handed on the wheel (usually 3 to 5 days).
  • Typing / desk work: right away, in moderation.
  • Return to light work: most office workers return within a week.
  • Return to heavy manual work: 4 to 6 weeks. Do not push heavy grip or lifting until cleared.
  • Therapy: most patients do not need formal hand therapy. If the hand feels stiff at your follow-up visit, we will arrange it.

Follow-up

Come to the office 10 to 14 days after surgery for a wound check and suture removal. We will see you again at 6 weeks.

Call the office right away if
  • You have a fever over 101°F
  • The incision is draining pus, is spreading red, or is very warm
  • Pain is worsening instead of improving after the first few days
  • You have new numbness, weakness, or severe swelling in the hand

Related

About carpal tunnel syndrome

Questions?

Call your office location for non-urgent questions:

See our office contact information for addresses and fax numbers.