![]() The most common reason is to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, including numbness, tingling, pain in the hand and fingers, and difficulty gripping objects. If non-surgical treatments do not alleviate symptoms, it may be advisable to undergo surgery to release pressure on the median nerve. Usually, non-surgical alternatives are used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome first. Mary Jurisson, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Dr.Are you considering having surgery to treat your carpal tunnel syndrome and unsure how long it would take you to recover? Worry not! The Ovation Hand Institute is here to help.Īfter carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, every patient wants a speedy return to their daily activities.Īt Ovation Hand Institute, we provide you with the best care and the most up-to-date techniques for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If your surgeon suspects that could be the case for you, you may be referred to another specialist, such as a neurologist, for further assessment. In some cases, numbness following carpal tunnel surgery happens due to a problem farther up the arm, or in the shoulder, neck or brain. If not, then another procedure may be useful. The scan also can help your surgeon determine if decompression of the median nerve is complete. An ultrasound may reveal a new or additional diagnosis at the wrist. Various diseases, such as inflammatory arthritis, can first appear as carpal tunnel syndrome before it becomes evident that another process actually is triggering the condition. It is a possibility that another problem is playing a role here. If the numbness is significantly worse than it was before surgery, or if it’s affecting different parts of your hand, then closer assessment is appropriate at this time. For example, you mention that two of your fingers are completely numb. Whether your pain and numbness are part of the healing process or whether they signal the need for more intervention depends somewhat on how your current symptoms compare to the symptoms you had before surgery. In general, full recovery after carpal tunnel syndrome may take up to a year. When sensation returns, it happens gradually. It’s helpful to note, too, that nerves typically improve after surgery at a rate of about 1 inch per month. The therapist can follow your progress by measuring the strength and sensation in your fingers, hand and arm, as well as provide advice about how to make your hand and arm more comfortable. Working with a hand therapist can be particularly useful during this uncomfortable period of recovery. Both generally improve over several months. In addition, a condition called ‘pillar pain,’ which is a localized reaction to the surgery, can lead to discomfort. Many people find the incision causes pain and irritation as it heals. Patients whose symptoms are severe before surgery show the most improvement afterward, but this group also tends to have the most residual symptoms after the procedure.Īt three months following carpal tunnel surgery, your numbness and pain still could be byproducts of the procedure. However, the number who experience complete relief of symptoms after surgery may be only 50%. ![]() Research shows that symptoms improve for more than 90% of patients following carpal tunnel surgery. Surgery to treat it involves relieving pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that crosses over it. Carpal tunnel syndrome often causes numbness and tingling in the hand and arm. It controls the sensations you feel on the palm side of your thumb and fingers, except the little finger. The median nerve runs from your forearm through the carpal tunnel and into your hand. It would be a good idea, however, to meet with your surgeon now, so he or she can reassess your condition and decide if you need additional tests or treatment.Ĭarpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel - a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. It’s possible your symptoms are part of the recovery from surgery, and they may improve with time. ![]() What would cause the pain to worsen after surgery? Could another surgery remedy the problem, or is this my new normal?ĪNSWER: Your condition as it stands now shouldn’t be considered a new normal. I cannot even button a button, and tying my shoes is a chore. Since then, I am in much more pain than before surgery, and two of my fingers are completely numb. DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Three months ago, I had surgery on my left wrist to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.
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