How long are you laid up after carpal tunnel surgery?

If you had open surgery on your dominant hand and you do repeated actions at work, you may be able to go back to work in 6 to 8 weeks. Repeated motions include typing or assembly-line work. If the surgery was on the other hand and you don’t do repeated actions at work, you may be able to return to work in 7 to 14 days.

How long does carpal tunnel surgery take to perform?

What happens during surgery? Surgery can be performed either as an open or endoscopic technique. Both are performed as outpatient surgery, require small incisions, and take only 10 minutes. Both procedures involve cutting the carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

How deep is the incision for carpal tunnel surgery?

In an open release surgery, the surgeon cuts about a 2-inch incision on the wrist. Then he or she uses common surgical instruments to cut the carpal ligament and enlarge the carpal tunnel. In an endoscopic carpal tunnel release, the doctor makes 2, half-inch incisions.

How do you shower after carpal tunnel surgery?

Once the surgical dressing is removed, keep the wound and your skin clean. Soap and water are an excellent skin cleanser, and it is OK to get everything wet in a shower with running water. Avoid immersing your wound under water until the sutures are removed.

What can I do Immediately after carpal tunnel surgery?

After your surgery, you may be encouraged to do the following:

1. Elevate your hand above your heart and move your fingers to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness.
2. Ice the surgical site for a given amount of time, a few times a day.
3. You may need to wear a splint or wrist brace for several weeks.

How soon can I use my hand after carpal tunnel surgery?

You can use your hand lightly in the first 2 weeks, but it helps to avoid too much strain. Slowly, you can get back to more normal activities, like: Driving (a couple of days after surgery) Writing (after a week, but expect 4-6 weeks before it feels easier.)

Are you asleep during carpal tunnel surgery?

Undergoing carpal tunnel surgery always requires anesthesia. In fact, carpal tunnel surgery anesthesia comes in two basic forms; local/regional and general. With local/regional anesthesia you’re awake during the entire operation. You’re aware of everything going on around you.

Is there a new procedure for carpal tunnel surgery?

Trevor Starnes is now using a popular carpal tunnel procedure that has had phenomenal satisfaction by patients. The procedure is called Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release System (ECTRS). The incision is not in the palm of your hand like traditional carpal tunnel procedures, known as open procedures.

How painful is it after carpal tunnel surgery?

Pain after carpal tunnel surgery is common. In fact, almost all patients experience some degree of pain in their first few days. But persistent pain for several days to weeks is abnormal. You should contact your doctor if this happens.

Do they do a nerve block for carpal tunnel surgery?

Bier Block: The numbing medicine is injected through an IV line in the arm being operated on, with a tourniquet around the upper part of your arm to hold the medicine in the arm, preventing it from leaking out to the rest of your body. This type of block is useful for short procedures such as carpal tunnel surgery.