|
Elevation, Motion, & Use
After carpal tunnel surgery it is very important to make a full fist and fully
straighten the fingers ten times an hour while awake. This is very important to prevent swelling and stiffness.
In addition, it will help prevent scar tissue from forming about the nerve.
This will not pull out the stitches. The motion will pump the fluid out
of the fingers and thereby prevent swelling and stiffness. Elevation of the
hand is also important after carpal tunnel surgery to prevent swelling. The
hand should be kept at a level that is higher than your heart in order to cause
fluid to drain from the hand. You may use the hand for light activities such as
eating, dressing and personal care. Driving is allowed once you feel strong
enough to safely grip the steering wheel.
Bandages
Do not change the bandages or splint after surgery
until the first post operative visit with Dr. Miller. The bandages must also be
kept dry. Showering should be done with a large plastic bag over the hand and
arm, securely taped just below the shoulder.
By keeping the hand fully elevated, it is possible to take a brief
shower without getting the bandages wet.
Pain Medication
After an operation that has been done under a local
anaesthetic, or local anaesthetic with sedation, it is common to experience
numbness and tingling in the hand for eight to ten hours or longer. A prescription for a pain reliever will be
given to you after the surgery and we recommend that you fill the prescription,
although frequently only one or two pills will be necessary. The most important aspect of pain relief
after hand surgery is strict elevation of the hand.
Stitches & Scar Management
Stitches are usually removed ten to fifteen days
after hand surgery. A scar massage program is then begun, using Vitamin E
oil, briskly rubbed into the scar for
five minutes, twice a day. The oil may
be purchased without a prescription, it is also fine to use the oil from a
capsule of Vitamin E. The massage program is continued for at least one month.
A thickened and tender scar will frequently develop four weeks after carpal
tunnel surgery. You will notice pain primarily with direct pressure on the scar
that will slowly resolve over several months.
|
