Carpal Tunnel Recovery Reminders
After undergoing either of the open or endoscopic release
surgery, it is time to get acquainted on how to recuperate from the operation.
The carpal tunnel recovery depends on what type of anesthesia has been
injected. If it is local and has been injected around the site of operation,
the area and the nearby fingers will remain numb for up to ten hours after
surgery.
As this effect wears off, it may well be worth taking some
pain-killers. Your carpal tunnel pain at night should lessen immediately.
Any tingling in the fingers may take some weeks to disappear.
Carpal Tunnel Recovery Reminder #1
Hand elevation is important to prevent swelling and stiffness of the
fingers. Please remember not to walk with your hand dangling or to sit with
your hand held in your lap. It is fine, however, to lower your hand for
light use and you should get back to normal light activities as soon as
possible following your doctor's recommendations. There are a number of exercises you
can do to prevent stiffness.
Carpal Tunnel Recovery Reminder #2
You have been discharged with a supportive dressing, consisting of gauze,
wool and a crepe bandage. Remember to remove the entire dressing after
five days (or as instructed by your physician) and inspect the wound. There obviously will be some swelling and
bruising. Look out for any redness or tenderness in the area around the
wound that might indicate an infection. If you have any worries, do
not hesitate to contact your doctor right away.
Carpal Tunnel Recovery Reminder #3
Follow your physician's instructions regarding getting the hand wet in a bath or shower. The wound
and the surrounding skin often become very dry and will be more comfortable
if a moisturizer is applied. An easy way of doing this is to briefly immerse
your hand in some warm water to which some Johnson's baby oil has been
added. Alternatively, apply an unscented moisturizing cream to the skin.
Carpal Tunnel Recovery Reminder #4
You can drive if you are comfortable and have regained full finger movements, if you have sufficient power to control the vehicle. Timing of
your return to work is variable according to your occupation which should be
discussed by your doctor and employer.
Carpal Tunnel Recovery Reminder #5
Stitches will be removed at about two weeks after the operation. Following
this, the scar will be somewhat lumpy, firm and tender. The scar will settle
after about three months, but massaging the area firmly with moisturizing
cream can help this.
This article
is provided courtesy of Roxanne Courtmanch. Please visit
www.thehelpingcircle.com for more articles on carpal tunnel
as well as many other topics that may be of interest to you.
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