What Does It Feel Like After Carpal Tunnel Surgery?

Carpal tunnel surgery addresses the underlying cause of carpal tunnel symptoms by cutting the transverse carpal ligament to create more space within the carpal tunnel. The procedure allows the median nerve to function without being compressed by the surrounding tissue, thus improving symptoms and restoring normal hand function.

Are you wondering how long it will take you to return to work after having surgery? Patients who undergo an endoscopic carpal tunnel release procedure could be looking for up to one month for recovery. While endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery offers an alternative to the traditional open carpal tunnel release procedure, our Ovation Technique offers much faster recovery and transition back to your regular day activities.

Most carpal tunnel syndrome patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms on the same day as their surgery.

The Ovation Hand Institute will help you answer what it feels like after carpal tunnel surgery and inform you about the innovative technique many of our patients have been extremely satisfied with.

What Options Are There for Carpal Tunnel Surgery

The Ovation Technique

The revolutionary technique offered by the Ovation Hand Institute has patients performing light activities on the same day. Recovery can be seen as soon as within 24 hours of the procedure. Whereas with other surgeries available, The Ovation Technique leaves negligible marks as no incision is required. Many of our patients are back to work in as little as 1-2 days as a result.

Endoscopic Carpal Release Surgery

In an endoscopic procedure, a quarter-inch-long incision is made in the wrist to cut the ligament that presses on the median nerve. Resuming light activity can take up to a week, with recovery taking at minimum a month.

Open Carpal Tunnel Release

The traditional method of addressing carpal tunnel syndrome, the open method, involved making a 2-inch incision on the patient, and light activity would only resume after 3 weeks, with a recovery period taking a minimum of 2 months.

Patients may experience some discomfort in the initial post-surgery period, but it goes away after a few days. Your hand may feel weak and experience some pain and irritation as it heals. Overall, the internal healing process takes 3-4 months. One year after surgery, your hand should have regained full strength, allowing you to experience all the benefits of The Ovation Technique as many of our patients have over the years.

What to Avoid After Carpal Tunnel Surgery

After carpal tunnel surgery, there are some things you will need to avoid to ensure a successful recovery. Here’s what to avoid after carpal tunnel surgery:

Prolonged exposure to water, especially during the first few days after surgery.
Applying excessive pressure or force on the hand and wrist.
Heavy lifting and strenuous activities that strain your hand and wrist.
Taking off any bandages or dressings before the recommended amount of time is over.
Performing high-intensity exercises that involve the arms, such as push-ups.

Best Practices After Carpal Tunnel Surgery

To speed up your recovery after carpal tunnel surgery, our physicians might recommend you embrace the following best practices:

Wear a wrist splint during the first few weeks after surgery.
Performing specific exercises that strengthen and improve the mobility of your wrist and hand.
Maintain a balanced diet and drink enough water to support the healing process.
Adhere to your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Keep any bandages or wrappings dry until the incision has completely healed to avoid infection.

If you have any questions or concerns about what to avoid after carpal tunnel surgery and best practices after carpal tunnel surgery, get in touch with us today.

Find Help You Can Rely On at Ovation Hand Institute

Ovation Hand Institute is committed to providing the best carpal tunnel syndrome treatment solutions. We employ an ultra-minimally invasive procedure that utilizes ultrasound technology to cut the carpal ligament and relieve the pressure on the median nerve.

Are you seeking treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome in Eden Prairie, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and surrounding areas? Find help that you can rely on at Ovation Hand Institute. Call us today to find out more about our minimally invasive procedure and discuss your treatment options with a specialist.