A 35-year-old member asked:
Is it okay to have swelling in my fingers after carpal tunnel release surgery?
4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Aileen Shieuanswered
Hand Surgery 22 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Robert Gluck commented
Hand Surgery 41 years experience
A reasonable degree of hand elevation ie elbow bent with hand pointing to the ceiling is also important
ALSO beware misused splints which often don't properly elevate the hand and may cause shoulder and neck complaints
Dec 24, 2011
Dr. Robert Gluck commented
Hand Surgery 41 years experience
Correction: should say misused SLINGS and not splints
Dec 24, 2011
Dr. Otto Placikanswered
Surgery - Plastics 36 years experience
Swollen fingers: This may be due to immobility and swelling. Arm elevation above your heart can definitely improve this. Gentle finger range of motion exercises, if permitted by your surgeon, can also be beneficial. I would discuss this with your surgeon to make sure it is not an indication of something worse such as infection. As you can see the surgery is immediately close to the tendons.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Eon Shinanswered
Hand Surgery 22 years experience
Yes: A small degree of swelling is quite normal and common. If the swelling is severe, contact your physician immediately.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Eon Shinanswered
Hand Surgery 22 years experience
Yes: Mild swelling is generally expected. However, consider contacting your physician to confirm and re-examine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Feb 5, 2021
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