Question 1

when can i drive again after carpal tunnel release surgery?

Accepted Answer

1 days: I generally counsel my patients that driving is permitted once a full fist can be made. Because the bandages are relatively light following a carpal tunnel release, finger movement is permissible and encouraged. It generally takes 24-48 hours to regain full finger movements, though sometimes it takes longer.

Question 2

is pain normal after carpal tunnel release surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is normal to have pain at the site of the incision after carpal tunnel surgery for up to two weeks. After that it should be ivestegated. If your surgeon is not interested in helping you you should seek a second opinion soon.

Question 3

when can i take the bandages off after carpal tunnel release surgery?

Accepted Answer

About a week: I usually have the patient back in the office in 8 days to remove a soft dressing.

Question 4

how long after having carpal tunnel release surgery will i be able to type?

Accepted Answer

A few weeks: Most of the pts I have seen, recover really fully within 2 or 3 weeks, but some may take up to 4-6 weeks if the nerve was electrically severely impaired.  Work closely with your surgeon.  Outcomes are usually fabulous.

Question 5

is it okay to have swelling in my fingers after carpal tunnel release surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Finger swelling is normal after carpal tunnel surgery. However, if you just had the surgery and have quite a bit of pain or numbness, you need to make sure your dressings are not too tight. Your hand surgeon can check this for you.

Swelling should improve with time. Make sure you have been shown proper finger exercises and stretches to do after your surgery as these can all help with the swelling.

Question 6

i have very cold fingers 1week after carpal tunnel release surgery. is this normal?

Accepted Answer

No, but possible --: Due to these reasons:
1: with tight splint or bandages, your fingers maybe bluish in color, tingly or cold;
2: with hand held hanging down most of the time ; bandages, the circulation in fingers is not great;
3: if you are not exercising your fingers or are or have been  a smoker, then fingers do feel cold.
4: some people have cold fingers for no specific reason, with nothing to do with surgery.

Question 7

can you tell me about carpal tunnel release surgery?

Accepted Answer

Two types: Traditional open cts releae involves freeing up the median nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligiment. The incision is in the base of the hand and takes a couple of weeks to heal. Endoscopic release gives you a smaller incision in the wrist and heals in a couplle of days. More expensive and more likely to require a second operation.

Question 8

what is it like to have a carpal tunnel release surgery?

Accepted Answer

Relatively simple: Most patient experience significant improvement of numbness and tingling with elimination of pain. The surgery is short and takes only a few minutes and there is little to no pain postoperatively. Down time is approximately 1 week.

Question 9

what is the new method of carpal tunnel release surgery?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopic: While it is not new (been around for 20 years), a small incision is made and the surgery is done through a "micro" incision.

Question 10

need data on the effectiveness of carpal tunnel release surgery?

Accepted Answer

Very effective: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very effective treatment for people with carpal tunnel syndrome (cts). Failures are usually do to incorrect diagnosis, such as cervical radiculopathy or diabetes, or incomplete surgical release of the transverse carpal ligament. When the right surgery is done for the right reason, the results are excellent.  Try the hand society web site assh.Org for more details.

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Doctor answers about:

When can I drive again after carpal tunnel release surgery

A member asked:

When can i drive again after carpal tunnel release surgery?

A member asked:

Is pain normal after carpal tunnel release surgery?

A member asked:

When can i take the bandages off after carpal tunnel release surgery?

A member asked:

How long after having carpal tunnel release surgery will i be able to type?

A member asked:

Is it okay to have swelling in my fingers after carpal tunnel release surgery?

A member asked:

I have very cold fingers 1week after carpal tunnel release surgery. is this normal?

A member asked:

Can you tell me about carpal tunnel release surgery?

A member asked:

What is it like to have a carpal tunnel release surgery?

A member asked:

What is the new method of carpal tunnel release surgery?

A member asked:

Need data on the effectiveness of carpal tunnel release surgery?

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