How long should 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.

Why does my hand hurt months after carpal tunnel surgery?

At three months following carpal tunnel surgery, your numbness and pain still could be byproducts of the procedure. Many people find the incision causes pain and irritation as it heals. In addition, a condition called ‘pillar pain,’ which is a localized reaction to the surgery, can lead to discomfort.

How long does nerve pain last after carpal tunnel surgery?

The pain and numbness may go away right after surgery or may take several months to subside. Try to avoid heavy use of your hand for up to 3 months.

Can pain return after carpal tunnel surgery?

The good news is that according to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, carpal tunnel syndrome rarely comes back after surgery. However, it is possible for patients to still experience carpel tunnel syndrome symptoms after their procedure.

What can go wrong after carpal tunnel surgery?

Other complications were hypertrophic scars, dysesthesias after multiple procedures to release the carpal tunnel, joint stiffness, failure to relieve symptoms, and neuromas of the dorsal sensory branch of the radial nerve. All of these complications are potentially preventable.

Should I move my fingers after carpal tunnel surgery?

After your surgery, you may be encouraged to do the following: Elevate your hand above your heart and move your fingers to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness. Ice the surgical site for a given amount of time, a few times a day. You may need to wear a splint or wrist brace for several weeks.

Why does my palm hurt after carpal tunnel surgery?

Nerve irritation: There are many skin sensory nerve branches in the hand and palm. These nerves might be irritated from the surgical dissection and healing scar tissue. Treatment of pillar pain usually helps to improve the symptoms. Hand therapy is sometimes recommended.

What does it feel like when nerves are healing after surgery?

During the process of healing nerve damage, the body part may feel unpleasant and tingly. Patients may also feel an electric shock-like sensation in the areas where nerve fibers are growing. These sensations may move around the affected area as during the healing of nerve damage.

Do you ever have to have carpal tunnel surgery twice?

While there is certainly a risk of recurrence, severe cases of carpal tunnel may require surgical intervention to avoid further worsening of the condition, permanent damage, and other complications.

What are the restrictions after carpal tunnel surgery?

For up to 2 weeks after surgery, avoid lifting things heavier than 0.5 to 1 kilogram and using your hand. This includes doing repeated arm or hand movements, such as typing or using a computer mouse, washing windows, vacuuming, or chopping food. Do not use power tools, and avoid activities that cause vibration.

How long does it take to fully recover from carpal tunnel surgery?

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.

Can I treat Carpal tunnel without surgery?

Can I Treat Carpal Tunnel Without Surgery? Ice pack: Use ice, not heat. Hand exercises: Several times per day, slowly rotate the wrists in a circle for two or three minutes. Wrist brace: A wrist brace will support the wrist and prevent the carpal tunnel from getting worse. Ergonomics: It is important to have a an ergonomically correct setup at your work space.

What to do carpal tunnel symptoms return after surgery?

If you notice a return of painful and bothersome symptoms following your carpal tunnel release surgery, or if your symptoms simply fail to improve with surgery, it is important to see your doctor again. It is possible that carpal tunnel syndrome was the wrong diagnosis, and that there is in fact something else going on.

What are the long term effects of carpal tunnel?

Most people relieved of their carpal tunnel symptoms with conservative or surgical management find minimal residual or “nerve damage”. Long-term chronic carpal tunnel syndrome (typically seen in the elderly) can result in permanent “nerve damage”, i.e. irreversible numbness, muscle wasting, and weakness.

What are the risks of carpal tunnel surgery?

Risks come with any operation. For both types of carpal tunnel release surgery, they include: Bleeding. Damage to your median nerve or nearby nerves and blood vessels. Infection of your wound. A scar that hurts to touch.