Driving After Carpal Tunnel Surgery
It is likely you will not be able to drive for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. This is because you may experience some sensitivity or pain in the first weeks, which can hinder your ability to safely drive a car.
It is sensible to wait until your wound has healed to prevent your stitches from loosening and your wound opening. This usually takes 10-14 days.
Most people are able to begin gentle driving approximately 2 weeks after their carpal tunnel surgery.
Your readiness to return to driving is dependent on your individual case. Please speak to Dr McLean for a professional assessment prior to driving to avoid disappointment.
Getting home from the hospital
It is wise to have a pre-planned mode of transportation to get home after your surgery. Ask a friend to assist, devise a public transport route, or set aside funds for a taxi. Plan your activities with the awareness that you will also need to:
Returning to Safe Driving
It is important that your hand/s are healed enough for you to control your vehicle under any conditions, especially in an emergency situation.
Take the following into consideration before you attempt to drive:
- What type of car you drive (manual, power steering)
- Driving conditions (bad weather, poor light)
- Your journey length (longer trips may fatigue your hands)
- Any pain you are experiencing
- Motor function in your hand/s
- Your mental capacity to drive (lucid, medicated or distracted by pain)
A sensible rule of thumb is to first test your ability to drive in a safe environment, such as an empty car park. If you can safely and repeatedly perform all emergency stop procedures and maneuvers driving requires, you may consider returning to driving.
Car Insurance Considerations
Your regular car insurance may not cover you if you have had recent surgery, and/or are taking pain medication. Contact your insurer to discuss your policy conditions before getting into the driver’s seat.
Pain Medication & Driving
You will likely be taking pain relief medications similar to sedatives after your operation. These medications can interfere with your ability to concentrate, your judgement, and your reaction time. DO NOT drive while you are taking these medications for your safety and that of other drivers on the road with you.
More about carpal tunnel surgery
Dr James McLean is a specialist Orthopaedic surgeon focusing on hand and upper limb surgery. He performs both open and endoscopic (key-hole) carpal tunnel release surgery for treating carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as non-surgical treatment options.
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