Five weeks ago, i had an endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery .i still feel a tightness in my wrist and forearm. it causes a lot of discomfort. what should i do?

See your surgeon: This may be normal scar tissue ormay be an indication that more therapy is recommended. Your surgeon will surely want to know about this.

Peak Reaction: At about 6 weeks post op carpal tunnel release patients generally experience swelling in the hand and wrist. This will resolve over the next few weeks. Nsaids, warm soaks and massage can help.

Normal Swelling: Swelling may stll be present in the palm. It is not unusual for the palm to still fell a little bit full or tight. The normal indentation or inverted "v" that on sees when you look at your palm in profile may be absent. Some also feel a pulling sensation when the extend their wrists and it can feel like forearm tightness. Gentle stretching and massage can be helpful too.

Expect 3 months: Peak inflammatory changes at the carpal tunnel occur around 6 weeks post op, but can be present for up to 3 months. Right now you are at the peak. There are several modalities you can use post op to improve that swelling/pain: massage, ultrasound, medications (both oral and topical), therapy, and soaking to name a few. This happens on 100% of my carpal pt's and I do about 300 a year.