Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

5 Tips For Recovery After Carpal Tunnel Sugery

19 July 2016 by Valerie Stevens

Although some people are able to handle carpal tunnel without surgery, it may become your best option at some point. In order to get the most out of this surgery, you will want to consider the following five tips for recovery:

1. Keep Hands Elevated: After having the surgery, it's important to keep your hands elevated in order to reduce inflammation. When sitting, have your hands resting on pillows to keep them upright. Also, while walking, be sure that you keep your hands up and at your sides. This may feel uncomfortable, but it can help you significantly during the recovery process. 
2. Take off the Surgery Dressing After Recommended Time: When you have your carpal tunnel surgery done, your doctor is going to let you know when it will be appropriate for you to take off the bandages and other wrappings from your wrist. It's important that you do this at that time. This will allow you to determine whether or not the wrist is healing properly. If you notice any bruising, it's okay because that is normal. However, if you notice red discoloration, it's a sign that it may be infected and you should see your orthopedic specialist right away. 
3. Clean the Area: After removing the bandages and other wrappings, it's important to clean the area to prevent infection. Your doctor should provide you with clear instructions on how to do this, which would normally be to dip the hand in water and apply moisturizer around it. 
4. Don't Rush Into Activities: The reason you probably had to have carpal tunnel surgery done is because you perform too many daily tasks that puts strain on your wrists. Although some of these tasks may be important for job performance, others that are unnecessary need to be avoided. If your job requires typing, writing, or other tasks that have caused your carpal tunnel to flare, don't immediately jump back into it. It's important to take enough time off from work so that you are able to recover. Otherwise, inflammation can arise that will make the surgery practically pointless. 
5. Consider Massage Therapy: Once the wrist is fully recovered, you should consider massage therapy to keep your wrists stress-free, which will prevent carpal tunnel from arising again. There are many massage therapists who will specialize in treating patients who have suffered or are currently suffering from carpal tunnel. 

When you know these five tips for recovery after carpal tunnel surgery, you can ensure that you get the most out of your treatment and no longer have to suffer with the pain of carpal tunnel again.