The carpal tunnel is a tunnel-shaped band or ring located in your hand that's made from bone and tight fibrous tissues. When the fibrous tissues are cut as part of carpal tunnel surgery, the band changes shapes and pressure on the median nerve is relieved, eliminating many of the painful symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The surgical procedure for carpal tunnel syndrome is called carpal tunnel release, and most surgical side effects are minimal.
Pillar Pain
Temporary tenderness where the ligaments in your palm are attached to bone is common, and is referred to as "pillar pain." Pillar pain usually goes away gradually over four to six weeks. Other aches and pains may be due to damage inflicted before the surgery by carpal tunnel syndrome. Physical therapy and other treatments may be recommended if pain doesn't resolve itself within six weeks.
Swelling
Swelling of the hand is another common side effect of carpal tunnel release surgery and is easily remedied, according to emedtv.com. Keep your hand elevated above your heart by using a splint or resting your hand on pillows when sitting or lying down for a few days post-surgery, and swelling should subside.
Numbness
Numbness is a common side effect that often persists after this surgery. This is very likely due to nerve damage that existed before treatment and may limit your ability for a complete recovery according to e-hand.com, a website that describes itself as an "electronic textbook of hand surgery." Hand therapy is often helpful for this side effect during the recovery process.
Member Comments