Postoperative period after carpal tunnel syndrome surgery

• To solve carpal tunnel syndrome, specialists resort to carpal tunnel release surgery, an outpatient procedure with a high success rate among patients. 
• With surgical treatment and rehabilitation, patients recover in little more than two months, managing to return to wrist and finger movements without discomfort or pain. 
• One of the most important points to ensure the success of the procedure is the performance of exercises to strengthen the hands and give them the greatest possible mobility.

You are probably reading this article because you are concerned about what happens after carpal tunnel surgery, either because you are thinking about having the procedure, have already had it done, or have someone close to you in either of these two situations.

Here we will explain what the surgery consists of, as well as what you should bear in mind in order to get through the post-operative period as smoothly as possible.

When you are diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, it is because there is inflammation and compression of the tendons, vascular structures and nerves that pass through the carpal tunnel. This syndrome can cause pain, tingling and muscle weakness in both hands, mainly in the fingers.

The onset of carpal tunnel syndrome may be due to multiple causes, the most frequent being the following:

• Genetic predisposition. It is possible that your carpal tunnel is narrower than normal, which favours the appearance of the syndrome.
• Repetitive and mechanised movements of the hands and forearms. Especially in some jobs or sports.

You should also know that, in addition to conservative treatments based on physiotherapy, exercises and medication, in the most serious cases in which non-invasive treatment does not improve the symptoms, the best option is to opt for carpal tunnel decompression surgery. 

Below, we explain in brief what the intervention consists of and what guidelines you should follow to ensure a return to normality.

During the surgery, the specialist cuts the ligament that is pressing on the median nerve, leaving more space for the nerves and other tendons, thus reducing the pressure.

Carpal tunnel release surgery can be performed in two different ways, the mini-incision technique and the Agee endoscopic technique.

• Mini-incision technique: A small incision is made on the inside of the wrist, through which the carpal tunnel area is accessed. A probe is inserted through the incision to relieve the pressure in the area.
• Agee endoscopic technique: A tiny incision is made over the folds of the wrist. Dilators are then placed in the wrist, which open the incision through which an endoscope is inserted together with a folding blade, which relieves the pressure on the nerve.

In the following section, we explain what happens after surgery and the guidelines you should follow to be able to return to your life as normal, guaranteeing the success of the surgery.

Here are the general guidelines for all patients who, like you, have undergone carpal tunnel release surgery.

• Wound care: As soon as the operation is over, a compressive bandage will be applied to the operated area. In the following days, you will need to visit the doctor for the necessary wound care, if and when indicated, and so that the doctor can see the progress of the healing and the condition of the hand.
• Position of the hand: After surgery, you should keep your hand raised to chest level to limit swelling, at least for the first two weeks.
• Exercises: You should perform finger and wrist movements. This favours a quicker recovery, allowing the tendons and nerves not to remain in a single position.
• Lifting: It is recommended that you do not lift more than 4 kg for at least the first two months, as the healing process can be interrupted and cause severe pain.
• Pain: It usually worsens the first few days after surgery, decreasing after the third and fourth week. To control the discomfort and reduce pain, the doctor will prescribe drugs, usually painkillers.
• Stitch removal: Within the first two weeks after surgery, you will need to visit the doctor. Your stitches will be removed and your activity level will be re-evaluated, and your wrist will be re-bandaged or splinted.

If you would like more information about recovery after carpal tunnel release surgery you can read the following article: Recovery time after carpal tunnel surgery

Postoperative care is usually completed 8 weeks after surgery, as long as you follow the guidelines set by your doctor and do not overexert your hands.

Remember that these indications are general and may vary depending on each particular case, adapting to your needs and the complexity of your case.

In addition to post-operative care, your specialist will recommend rehabilitation to re-educate your hands and wrists, as they will be weak and their mobility will be reduced. The most common exercises are:

• Finger bending: This consists of touching the tip of the thumb to the tips of the other fingers. This exercise helps to restore strength and mobility.
• Opening and closing the hand as much as possible: This action should be performed slowly and without forcing, and it is best to repeat the exercise several times a day.
• Finger rotations: You should rotate your fingers one by one, first to one side and then to the other. Do several repetitions as this exercise helps to improve circulation.
• Squeezing an object with your hand: Get a sponge or other object with little resistance for the first few weeks and then move on to something more resistant such as a soft ball, you should make very slow movements and gradually increase the speed.
• Extension of the hand: You should rest your arm on a table and gradually raise your hand and hold the position for a few seconds. Another exercise for the wrist is to rest the operated hand on the table and lean the body forward, keeping the wrist fully extended. This type of exercise helps to improve and restore wrist strength.

You should know that these exercises help you to recover and are intended to reduce the pain you may feel, as well as to reduce recovery time. They also help to fully regain muscle strength and ensure wrist mobility.

We hope we have helped you by clearing up some doubts about the postoperative period after carpal tunnel surgery. If you need more information about the carpal tunnel release operation or to find out how Operarme works, you can contact our patient service team or call at +34 91 141 33 56.

On the other hand, if you are looking for options for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, you can meet one of our specialists in traumatology by clicking below: