Treat Complications From Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Carpal tunnel surgery is a common procedure. About eight to 10 percent of adults in the United States suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, a disorder where the tendons in the wrist swell and put significant pressure on the median nerve, causing hand numbness and pain. The surgery releases the carpal ligament and takes the pressure off the nerve.
Instructions
1. Take your prescription pain medication. As with most surgeries there will be pain immediately after the procedure. Your doctor will prescribe appropriate medication. Take it as directed.
2. Avoid post-surgical infection by taking the anti-infection medicine your doctor prescribes. If you still get an infection, take the antibiotics he gives you and follow his directions to the letter.
3. Expect stiffness and loss of wrist strength. Your doctor or physical therapist can instruct you in exercises to help deal with this.
4. Elevate your hand to keep swelling at bay. This should help with the pain, too. Many patients find it's helpful to keep their hand elevated while sleeping for the first couple of weeks after surgery.
5. Discuss the possibility of having the operation again if pain and other symptoms don't improve. Scarring is a frequent complication. When the scarring is painful and extensive, you may be a candidate for repeat surgery.
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