Open Carpal Tunnel Decompression

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• You may need an open surgery for your carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder where a nerve in your wrist is compressed (pressed in). The carpal tunnel is the space in your wrist where nerves and muscles of your hand pass through. You may have weakness, burning, swelling, or a pins-and-needles feeling in your wrist and hands. You will have pain or numbness in at least two fingers, including your thumb, index, or middle finger. You may get CTS from using your hand or wrist in the same way again and again. You may also get it if you are often around machines that cause vibrations. Conditions such as tumors, extra bone growth, injury, or infections in your wrist may also cause CTS.
  
  
• Your caregiver may suggest an open carpal tunnel surgery if other treatments do not work for you. You may also need it if you have a broken wrist or diabetes (high blood sugar). During surgery, your caregiver will cut into your wrist and free any nerves that are compressed. This will decrease the pressure on the nerves in your wrist. Having carpal tunnel surgery may improve your symptoms and make it easier to use your wrist and hand. It may improve the strength of your grip and your pinch. It may also decrease your time off from work due to pain and weakness caused by CTS.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
    
    
  • Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Follow up visit information:

• You will need to visit your caregiver a few days after your surgery. Your caregiver will check if your hand is healing well and will ask you about your symptoms. He may also do tests to see how well your hand and wrist move. Your caregiver will check how well you can grip and pinch. Your caregiver may do an electromyography (EMG) test to check your nerves and muscles.
  
  
• Your caregiver may remove your stitches and bandages. Your caregiver will also let you know when to stop wearing your splint. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Physical therapy: Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises help make your bones and muscles stronger.

Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy (OT) uses work, self-care, and play activities to help you in your daily life. OT teaches special skills for bathing, dressing, cooking, eating, or driving. An occupational therapist may help you choose tools to use, and suggest ways to keep your home or workplace safe. You and your therapist will plan a therapy program that is right for you.

Activity:

• Avoid lifting and moving heavy objects until your caregiver says it is OK.
  
  
• Do not use your wrist to pull until your caregiver says it is OK.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver when it is OK to return to work.
  
  
• Take some time to rest. When doing computer work, add a little break time every now and then. This will give your hand muscles time to relax.
  
  
• Your caregiver may tell you to raise your arm at different times during the day. Raising your arm may help decrease your pain.

Ice: Your caregiver may want you to put ice on your wrist and hand. This may help decrease your pain and swelling. Do not sleep with the ice pack on your wrist.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your stitches come apart.
  
  
• You have chills or feel weak or achy.
  
  
• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have swelling, stiffness, or numbness in your fingers.
  
  
• Your finger becomes stuck in the same position.
  
  
• You feel a lump on your wrist.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your medicine, surgery, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You cannot feel or move your hand.
  
  
• Your bandage becomes soaked with blood.
  
  
• Your wound site is painful even after taking pain medicine.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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