Discharge Instructions for Carpal Tunnel Repair
You had a carpal tunnel repair procedure to help relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. In carpal tunnel syndrome, a nerve in the wrist is compressed and irritated. This causes numbness and pain in the fingers and hand. Carpal tunnel repair relieves the compression of the nerve. Here are instructions that will help you care for your arm and wrist when you are at home.
Home Care
Avoid gripping objects tightly or lifting with your affected arm.
Wear your bandage, splint, or cast as directed by your doctor.
Always keep the dressing, splint, or cast dry and clean.
When showering, cover your hand and wrist with plastic and tape it securley to your skin to always keep the dressing, splint, or cast dry. Shower as necessary.
Use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas—or something similar—wrapped in a thin towel on your wrist to reduce swelling for the first 48 hours. Leave the ice pack on for 20 minutes; then take it off for 20 minutes. Repeat as needed.
Keep your arm elevated above your heart for 24-48 hours after surgery.
Do the exercises you learned in the hospital, or as instructed by your doctor.
Take pain medication as directed.
Don’t drive until your doctor says it’s OK. Never drive while you are taking narcotic pain medication.
Ask your doctor when you can return to work. If your job requires heavy lifting, you may not be able to begin working again for several weeks.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Call 911 right away if you have any of the following:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Otherwise, call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
A splint, cast, or dressing that has gotten wet
Increased bleeding or drainage from the incision (cut)
Opening of the incision
Fever above 100.4°F (38.9°C) taken by mouth, or shaking chills
Any new numbness in the fingers or thumb
Blue hand or fingers
Increased pain with or without activity
Increased redness, tenderness, or swelling of the incision