Carpal Tunnel Release Post-Op Instructions

• You should not experience much pain after your procedure. If you experience pain, please take over-the-counter Tylenol (acetaminophen) Extra Strength or Advil (ibuprofen) for pain relief.

• Keep the dressing clean, dry and intact for 2 days after your surgery. You can remove the dressing and Tensors after 48 hrs.  Please wash the wound(s) with soap and water.  Expose your incision to air to allow it to dry.

• Please note that swelling in the fingers is normal post-operatively due to the Tensors. If the Tensors are too constrictive, please remove them and leave gauze in place for 2 days.

• Your follow-up appointment should be 10-14 days after your procedure to assess the incision and remove the sutures.

• Please note that a little bit of swelling over the incision is normal.  However, please watch out for signs of infection, such as redness that spreads beyond your incisions, the breaking open of your skin and/or pus that drains from your incision. If you have any of these signs, please call the surgical clinic or our office to book an appointment to see Dr. Chivers as soon as possible.

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Recovery course:

• You can start using your hands within 2 days after surgery. However, you should avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for 10-14 days until the sutures are removed.

• You may continue to feel numbness and tingling after your procedure.  This will continue to improve over a 6-month to 1-year period after surgery.

• You will feel a slight decrease in grip strength after your procedure, which will improve over a 6-week period with  use of the hand and physiotherapy.

• Feeling a small hard bump over the incision or surgical area after surgery is normal. This is a result of scar tissue development. After your stitches are removed, we recommed that you start massaging the area to help with the healing of your skin.  Over time, the hardness should resolve.  Massaging will also help with the sensitivity that develops with non-use.  You should massage your hand 3-4 times a day.