Instructions for Patients Who Have Had Carpal Tunnel Surgery

• The incision has not yet healed completely and care must be taken to ensure proper healing.
• You may wash the hand and get the incision wet. Please pat the area dry after bathing (do not rub it). You may remove the Steri-Strips when the edges curl up.
• Exercise your hand and fingers with a soft sponge or a Nerf ball.
• We prefer that you not wear your wrist splint after surgery, but if you are doing some activity that involves strong bending of the wrist, it may be helpful.
• Try to avoid activities that involve pressure on the palm of the hand (the same motion that you might do in a push-up) for 6-10 weeks after surgery.
• After the skin is closed (about 10 days after surgery) you may rub Vitamin E oil on the incision to reduce the scar.

In case of an emergency or after business hours, please contact our answering service by calling 423-578-1518 and they will direct your questions to the physician on call.