What Causes Numbness In Thumb After Carpal Tunnel Surgery?

Posted on Sun, 28 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 28 Dec 2014 Answered on

Sat, 24 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had carpal tunnel surgery 5 weeks ago and still have the numbness in my thumb and 2 fingers is the normal?
It's even worse now then before surgery, can't sleep at night because of the pain. Danette

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should have following medicine; it takes time

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. It takes sometime ( 10-12 weeks) to recover from symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome following surgery. The drugs commonly given are pregablin, vitamin B12 (shots/pills) along with ibuprofen and trypsin/chymotrypsin to reduce pain and swelling. If you are having it well and good otherwise get them prescribed.
Temporary use of night splint also helps.
Hope this helps and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar