Boca Raton, FL
A 59-year-old female asked:
I had endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery a week ago. the base of my hand still feels hard and a little numb, is this normal?
5 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Allen Luanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 25 years experience
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.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. David Tuckmananswered
Hand Surgery 24 years experience
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.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Coats IIanswered
Orthopedic Surgery 24 years experience
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.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Randy Hauckanswered
Hand Surgery 40 years experience
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.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Fitzmauriceanswered
Hand Surgery 15 years experience
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.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 18, 2019
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