Recovery Time After Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery – Explained
A carpal tunnel release surgery reduces pressure on the median nerve that runs through your wrist. A neurosurgeon in Tampa from Florida Surgery Consultants releases the median nerve by making two or three small incisions to cut the ligament at the top of the carpal tunnel. This is endoscopic surgery. If a past surgery has left scar tissue in your wrist, you may need an open surgery that involves one two-inch incision. Cutting the ligament relieves the pressure on your nerve. If there is another tissue in the way, such as a fatty deposit, it can also be removed at the same time as the ligament release. Before going into surgery, many people want to know about carpal tunnel surgery recovery time. This guide will help you to know what to expect after surgery and how long each phase of the carpal tunnel surgery recovery time will last for you.
In-Office procedure
If you are eligible for an in-office procedure it only takes 15 minutes and you can go home the same day. Most people will be able to get this procedure done In-Office.
The most important part is to check your anxiety levels to see how much you will need to be sedated. Once the measurements are taken, your surgeon will be able to perform the simple in-office surgery procedure.
A big benefit in the In-Office procedure is the bills will be drastically lower because you will not need to go into a surgery center. The procedure is also very short and afterwards your carpal tunnel will almost instantly go away and you will have immediate relief.
Immediately After Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
After your carpal tunnel release surgery by a neurosurgeon at Florida Surgery Consultants is complete, you will be taken to a recovery room. Carpal tunnel surgery recovery time in the recovery room will last one to two hours. You will wake up from the anesthesia, be assessed for pain, and receive information from the neurosurgeon and nurses about how your procedure went. You will also receive instructions on managing pain or discomfort. The nurses will also assist you with setting up your first postoperative appointment. You will go home after you are able to have a small snack and drink some water.
Caring for Your Hand and Wrist at Home
You will be wrapped up in a splint or thick dressing for one to two weeks. This dressing should be kept dry. During this initial recovery phase, you will be asked to minimize any activity with your hand. You should wiggle your fingers in order to avoid stiffness. At night, you will sleep with your wrist elevated in order to promote good circulation.
Resuming Activity With Your Hand
About two weeks after surgery, your stitches will come out. At this time, you will begin a physical therapy program. In physical therapy, you will do some hand and arm exercises that are designed to rebuild strength and restore your full range of motion. These exercises are designed to shorten your recovery time. You will need to practice these exercises at home in order to get the best results. You might need to continue wearing the brace or splint occasionally or at night for another two to four weeks.
Completing Your Carpal Tunnel Surgery Recovery Time
Ease back into your usual activities. You might need to take time off of work if your job involves a lot of small hand movements. If your hand or wrist starts to ache, throb or swell, cease the activity. Continuing activity that is painful could prolong the time that it takes you to fully recover after a carpal tunnel release surgery. For most people, a complete recovery takes one to four months. An endoscopic surgery’s recovery time is usually shorter than the recovery time for an open carpal tunnel release surgery.
