I had endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery a week ago. the base of my hand still feels hard and a little numb, is this normal?

Yes: Swelling and stiffness us common after endoscopic carpal tunnel release and it can take a little time to resolve. Numbness can take quite a while to resolve, especially if the nerve damage was more severe before surgery. Sometimes, some of the numbness does not completely resolve, other times it can take 6-12 months to resolve.

Normal: It is normal for the area to be firm and sensitive. This could last for weeks for months. Try some desensitization massage. Take hand cream and massage the area 2 or 3 times a day this can help resorb the scar tissue and desensitize the area.

Yes, likely scar: Swelling and scarring are normal after any surgery. Even with an incision as small as an endoscopic carpal tunnel release, some swelling and scarring will occur. This will improve over the next several weeks and should go away by six weeks post-op.

Yes: The hardness is scar forming to reform the ligament that was divided during the surgery. It heals back together but higher than previously so there is more room in the carpal tunnel. The scar usually softens within 2-3 months. Numbness around an incision is normal for any surgery and often lasts for months.

Normal: The area of the wrist does get slightly hard and swollen after surgery however these symptoms tend to improve daily and by 1 week should be minimal. Perhaps a follow up visit with your surgeon can help identify if there are any other issues or if you need therapy.