Carpal Tunnel Release

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Post-operative instructions following open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release

First Week

• Keep your hand elevated above heart level as much as possible for the first 72 hours to minimize swelling.

• Your wrist will be in a bulky dressing or splint — keep it clean and dry.

• Expect soreness, numbness, and swelling in the palm and wrist area.

• Mild pain at the incision is normal — take medications as prescribed.

Wound Care

• Keep dressings intact and dry until your first post-op visit.

• After dressing removal, clean the incision gently with soap and water once daily.

• Sutures are typically removed at 10–14 days.

Splint & Activity

• Wear the wrist splint as instructed — typically for 1–2 weeks.

• Move your fingers freely from day 1 — finger movement is encouraged.

• Begin gentle wrist range-of-motion exercisesafter splint removal.

• Grip strengthening exercises begin at 4–6 weeks — a hand therapy referral may be provided.

Return to Work / Activity

• Desk/light duty: 1–2 weeks.

• Moderate manual work: 3–4 weeks.

• Heavy labor or repetitive gripping: 4–8 weeks depending on recovery.

Recovery Expectations

• Nighttime numbness and tingling typically improve within days to weeks.

• Grip strength may take 3–6 months to fully recover.

• Some patients experience pillar pain (soreness at the base of the palm) — this is normal and resolves over weeks to months.

• Nerve recovery is gradual. Full improvement may take 6–12 months in severe cases.