Stiffness post carpal tunnel release
I have had carpal tunnel release on both hands under local anaesthetic. The right hand 15 weeks ago and the left 7. The surgery on both was immediately successful in that the numbness, tingling and pain resolve. I did experience some varying degrees of post op pain and recovery. I have returned to my local clinic (Not Kent) and have described how I still have stiffness in my hands. Although this was gradually improving it is now increasing again in my right hand especially which is 15 weeks post op. It has woken me on a number of occasions. It improves initially in the morning but lingers to a degree through the day. Today is the worst day. I have been told it should improve but it concerns me that actually it is actually worsening again. There was inflammation seen when I had the surgery and a sample was taken which I was told was normal. Subsequent blood tests for arthritis were also apparently clear. I feel I am not being listened to now. I certainly do not regret the surgery but am suspicious now as to what is going on. Is it realistic to expect to have stiffness returning rather than improving?! Any opinions and experiences appreciated.
Thank you for the reply. My feeling has been that this would be an appropriate route also just need to convince my team. There is a long family history also so I was very surprised at the negative results.
There is a whole category of arthritis known as 'sero-negative' - ie normal blood tests! Prolonged (lasting hours) morning stiffness is a pretty significant rheumatological symptom. Good luck. JB
Stiffness, in the sense of physical resistance to movement of the fingers, is not usually a feature of CTS or a complication of surgery itself but it sounds as though they have checked you out for rheumatoid, which would be the obvious common cause to link the two things together. If it keeps getting worse it's probably worth seeking a formal rheumatology opinion, despite the negative blood tests so far. JB