Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the common term for a specific type of neuropathy in which the median nerve at the wrist becomes compressed. This can lead to numbness, paralysis and weakness in the affected hand. Severe cases of CTS are occasionally treated by surgery, which splits the transverse carpal ligament in the hand and relieves the pressure on the median nerve. This procedure immediately resolves the acute symptoms, but the maximum improvement in the chronic symptoms of CTS may not be seen for up to a year.
Care Immediately After Surgery
The patient should receive complete rest on the day of surgery. The patient should also keep the hand elevated to prevent swelling. Fluid will be able to drain from the hand if it is kept above the level of the heart. The hand can be used lightly beginning on the day after surgery but not all ordinary activities may be possible. It is important to perform range of motion exercises on the fingers to prevent adhesions from forming. However, the patient should avoid flexing the fingers and wrist at the same time for at least three weeks.
The patient may remove the dressings two to three days after surgery and replace them with Band-Aids. The patient will need to keep the dressings and bandages dry while showering by keeping a plastic bag over the hand. The physician will typically remove the sutures seven to 14 days after the surgery.
Some patients may need to restrict their work immediately following surgery and a removable splint may be needed to perform some types of activity. Patients may wear the splint intermittently during the day for heavy activities and continuously at night for up to 3 weeks.
Follow Up Care
The wound site should be messaged to minimize the formation of scar tissue once the incision heals, which typically requires two weeks. The patient should rub in a non-perfumed lotion such as Vitamin E oil using firm, gentle pressure in a circular motion. Scar message should initially be performed up to five times per day for a few minutes at a time. This frequency may then be reduced over the next month as the scar becomes more tender.
The patient is typically able to resume many light hand sports such as golf after six weeks and impact sports such as weightlifting may also be possible at this point. Some patients may find a padded glove beneficial during this period. The patient should also begin progressive strengthening exercises after six to 12 weeks.
Tags: patient should, after surgery, after weeks, days after, days after surgery, median nerve