If you have carpal tunnel syndrome, then surgery is one of the last resorts after every other intervention fails. Irrespective of the surgical procedure used – endoscopic or ope – the outcome will generally be the same, and the journey to recovery is also likely to be similar.
If you are wondering what you have to do post-surgery, then here are a few suggestions for you. It may help you to erase the pain and numbness weeks after surgery. It may also help you recover better and return to work without a problem.
Taking care of the scar
If you opted for open surgery for the carpal tunnel operation, then you are likely to end up with a scar as a result of the cut made at the base of your palm. This wound may be sore for a few weeks after the operation.
When you leave the hospital, you will be given a dressing for supporting and protecting the incision. This dressing must be kept dry for the duration recommended by your surgeon. The doctor may also recommend a few painkillers to help you during the days immediately following the surgery.
Rehabilitating your wrist
In most cases, you will not have to see a physiotherapist following the surgery to help with the rehabilitation process.
There are certain general rules and recommendations that if you can observe, then you will enhance the healing process. Some of the things you may have to do to rehabilitate your hand after a carpal tunnel operation include:
- Elevating your hand above your heart and moving your fingers quite often to prevent them from being stiff.
- Putting ice in the surgical site a few times a day to reduce inflammation and instances of pain.
- Wearing a splint or a wrist brace to support the correct posture for proper healing.
- Sticking to your doctor’s instructions on when you need to resume normal work with your affected wrist.
- If you are still experiencing pain and weakness two months post-operation, then you may need to see a hand therapist to help with enhancing the recovery process.
While you rehabilitate your wrist at home, you need to remember that the recovery process will differ from one person to the next. One of the factors that will determine how fast or how slow you recover is the actual state of the median nerve before the surgery.
But, in general, your age, current state of health, and your ability to follow post-surgical care guidelines will be the main determinants of how quickly and effectively the recovery process will be.
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