Understanding Some Carpal Tunnel Surgery Aftercare Information

If you have a painful carpal tunnel condition, then you should speak with an orthopedic hand specialist about the types of treatments that are available. If the issue has progressed significantly, then you should think about looking into surgery. Surgical procedures are completed by orthopedists and you should know a little bit about the surgical aftercare before your procedure is even scheduled. Keep reading to learn about a few important things you should understand so you are well prepared. 

You Will Wear A Splint

You should know that you will need to wear a splint device after the carpal tunnel surgery. The splint is meant to keep your hand in the correct position to relieve pressure on the surgical area. Most splints are fairly large and significant devices to start. The main splint is a rigid device that will run from the palm all the way down the first few inches of the forearm. And, the rigid pieces will often be kept in place with the help of an ace bandage. Some gauze may be added as well to cushion the incision site.

The first splint will need to remain in place for at least a few days and your surgeon will remove it and replace it with a much smaller splint. As you wait, you should be extremely careful with the splint due to its bulk. You will want to arrange for someone to help you with any chores or other activities that require two hands. Also, since you will be unable to get the splint wet, you will need to wear a bag over the area when showering. Speak with your surgeon about the best way to go about this.

You Will Need To Massage The Area

You will need to be involved significantly in your own aftercare once the carpal tunnel bandages come off. A big portion of the care will involve activities to reduce the chances of scar tissue forming within the carpal tunnel area. This scar tissue will place pressure on the nerve in the region in the same way that the tissues did to create your carpal tunnel issue in the first place. Since you want to avoid this and to also avoid the need for a future surgery, you will be provided with instructions on how to massage the area to keep scar tissue to a minimum.

Massage will need to occur daily for weeks or months after the operation, so make sure to pay close attention to the instructions on how to do this. Pressure will need to be direct and somewhat significant.

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