Post op recovery

I never know what to say about the word 'normal' which seems to me to imply something that you expect in most, or even all, cases. A fair number of patients do experience this sort of symptom around the scar so it's not unusual, but neither is it necessarily something that you expect as a matter of course. Massage of the scar is widely recommended, though there is little concrete evidence that it actually helps. I would not worry about it at this relatively early stage. JB

Thank you for replying, by normal was referring to expected swelling and discomfort immediatley post op. Have maintained finger and hand exercises and have been massaging area twice daily with bio oil, but swelling and hardness remain bottom half of incision and into wrist. Also pain and tenderness both sides of incision in palm , particularly between incision and thumb. Returning to work which involves lots of hand use, so just wanted reassurance this was normal part of healing process

Well certainly not something to be too concerned about at this early stage. In a few patients this remains a persistent problem after carpal tunnel release. JB

Hi Ange,

It is now April 2021. I hope your discomfort in and around your incision has resolved itself. I have similar discomfort at 5 weeks post open carpal tunnel release surgery. My incision feels swollen compared to my non operated hand. It is not visually infected but is tender and what I would refer to as overly firm. The skin under the incisions does not stretch and feels stiff when my wrist is bent. Did you experience and of these feelings and if so have they resolved?

Any other input from other people with similar conditions would greatly be appreciated.

Also I have random occasional stabbing/tearing pains in my palm followed by short periods of dull throbbing. It usually works it self out if I rest my hand for a while.

Regards

That is a fairly common experience after carpal tunnel surgery and yes it does usually settle down in time. JB