Important Notice

This information is provided as supplemental educational material for established patients of Lee M. Reichel, M.D., receiving care through Austin Regional Clinic. It is not individualized medical advice and does not replace the instructions provided directly by Dr. Reichel or your ARC care team.

Every patient’s condition and treatment are different. Do not apply this information to another person or use it to make medical decisions outside Dr. Reichel’s practice. If this information differs from instructions given specifically to you, follow your individualized instructions and contact the office for clarification.

Accessing this page does not establish a physician-patient relationship. This page is not monitored for medical questions or emergencies. For urgent concerns, contact your treating medical team; for an emergency, call 911 or seek emergency care.

For My Patients / After-Surgery Care

PROCEDURE RECOVERY GUIDE

After Cubital Tunnel Surgery

Protect the elbow incision, maintain allowed motion, and understand why ulnar nerve recovery can be gradual.

Your discharge instructions come first

Use the instructions you received from Dr. Reichel and the surgical center as your primary guide. They may differ from this general overview because they are tailored to your procedure and health.

The first few days

Keep the arm supported and elevated when swelling increases, without holding the elbow in one uncomfortable position for long periods.
Follow the exact splint, sling, and motion instructions for your procedure; they differ when the nerve has been moved.
Use only the medication plan provided at discharge.

Dressing and incision

Keep the dressing or splint clean, dry, and intact until your team’s stated removal or follow-up time.
Do not insert objects under the dressing. Call if it feels increasingly tight or causes persistent finger color change or numbness.
After dressing removal, protect the incision and avoid soaking until it is sealed and cleared.

Movement

Move the fingers and wrist comfortably to limit swelling unless your instructions say otherwise.
Elbow bending and straightening depend on the exact procedure; follow the range your surgeon approved.
Keep the shoulder moving gently so the whole arm does not become stiff.

Activity and work

Avoid leaning directly on the inside of the elbow.
Do not lift, push, pull, or drive until the restrictions for your procedure allow it.
Desk work and heavier work have very different return timelines; review your job duties with the surgical team.

What may be normal

Bruising, swelling, and tenderness along the inside of the elbow.
Temporary sensitivity around the incision.
Ring- and small-finger tingling that changes gradually rather than disappearing immediately.
Fatigue or weakness with hand use while the nerve and arm recover.

Call the surgical team promptly if…

A splint or dressing causes persistent tightness, severe pressure, color change, or worsening numbness.
Increasing redness, drainage, warmth, fever, or wound opening.
New or rapidly worsening hand weakness.
Pain or swelling is escalating despite the written plan.

A general recovery timeline

First week: Protect the incision and follow the exact splint and elbow-motion plan.
Around 2 weeks: A wound check is commonly planned and the next phase of motion is reviewed.
Weeks 3–8: Activity expands based on the procedure, wound healing, strength, and comfort.
Following months: Nerve sensation and strength can continue changing for many months; recovery may be incomplete after severe compression.

Learn more: AAOS OrthoInfo: Cubital Tunnel Release.

This is general education. Your personalized discharge instructions and follow-up plan take priority.