Patient Information - Orthopaedic Clinic
Carpal tunnel syndrome
This information is for patients who have received treatment at the Orthopaedic Clinic at Ahus.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes pain and numbness in the fingers and hands due to compression of one of the large nerves that goes through the wrist. Surgery can reduce the compression of the nerves in the wrist.
Bandage
- Keep the compression bandage on for two days after the surgery. After two days remove the bandage and the loose compresses, but leave the wound dressing/plaster. If the wound dressing is bled through, change the dressing and cover again with 2-3 compresses and the elastic bandage. Keep the wound covered with a dressing until the stitches are removed.
- The bandage and dressing need to be kept dry and clean until the stitches are removed.
- Keep the outer elastic bandage and use as support and protection for the operated hand. Make sure you have new, clean bandages at home and change when needed.
- If the bandage feels too tight and your fingers turn white, cold or blue you need to loosen the bandage.
Activity
- Keep the operated hand above heart height most of the time the first day after the surgery to reduce bleeding, swelling and pain.
- It is important that you move the fingers regularly: bend the fingers all the way to the bandage and stretch them again ten times every hour. Make tweezer grip with thumb against all fingers.
Pain relief
For pain relief use prescription-free painkillers like Paracetamol, optionally, in combination with Ibuprofen. The treating physician can prescribe stronger painkillers when needed. Use as prescribed.
Sutures
Your incision site has sutures that should be removed by your doctor or at follow-up at the clinic some dayd after the surgery. We recommend you cover the incision site from direct sun light the following 6 months to reduce scarring. The scar can be tight and tender the first months after surgery. Massage and good skincare can relieve tight- and tenderness.
Symptoms of an infection
There is always a risk of infection after surgery. Pay attention to the following symptoms and contact your physician or the emergency clinic if suspecting an infection.
The symptoms of infection are:
- Increased pain and soreness around the wound.
- Redness, heat and/or swelling around the wound.
- Throbbing pain occurring after the first few days.
- Yellow, green or grey discharge from the wound.
- Fever or reduced general condition.
Contact your registered physician or your local emergency clinic (phone number 116 117), if you suspect an infection.