How long does it take for carpal tunnel incision to heal?
The recovery from carpal tunnel surgery takes time – anywhere from several weeks to several months. If the nerve has been compressed for a long period of time, recovery may take even longer. Recovery involves splinting your wrist and getting physical therapy to strengthen and heal the wrist and hand.
How long should Steri strips stay on after carpal tunnel surgery?
Your Steri-Strips should be left in place until your sutures are removed 10 to 12 days after surgery.
Can I get my stitches wet after carpal tunnel surgery?
Once the surgical dressing is removed, keep the wound and your skin clean. Soap and water are an excellent skin cleanser, and it is OK to get everything wet in a shower with running water. Avoid immersing your wound under water until the sutures are removed.
What do you put on a wound after carpal tunnel surgery?
Wound Care Keep the surgical wound covered with a band aid or bandage for the first week. Please do not apply antibiotic ointment or use peroxide on the surgical site. The stitches will be removed approximately 7-10 days after surgery. Elevate your hand above your heart when up.
When should stitches be removed after carpal tunnel surgery?
Your doctor will take out your stitches in 1 to 2 weeks. Your hand and wrist may feel worse than they used to feel. But the pain should start to go away. It usually takes 3 to 4 months to recover and up to 1 year before hand strength returns.
How soon can I wash my hand after carpal tunnel surgery?
You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Keep your bandage dry by taping a sheet of plastic to cover it. If you have a splint, keep it dry. Your doctor will tell you if you can remove it when you shower.
How long after surgery can you shower with Steri strips?
Staples and Stitches: You can wash or shower 24 hours after surgery unless you’re directed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
What to do when you get stitches out?
If the sutures come out early, close the wound with tape. You can also use a butterfly bandage (such as Band-Aid). Do this until the office visit….Pain Medicine:
- To help with the pain, give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
- Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
- Use as needed.
How long should I rest my hand after carpal tunnel surgery?
You can use your hand lightly in the first 2 weeks, but it helps to avoid too much strain. Slowly, you can get back to more normal activities, like: Driving (a couple of days after surgery) Writing (after a week, but expect 4-6 weeks before it feels easier.)
How long should you keep your hand elevated after carpal tunnel surgery?
You may experience some swelling in your fingers and hand, this is normal. To Page 2 help relieve this please keep your hand elevated for 48 hours and then avoid leaving it hanging down for long periods of time.