Splint after surgery
For a few days after carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, a absorbent cotton bandage or a light compression bandage is applied to the wrist to allow the surgical wound to heal and prevent secondary bleeding. If necessary, pain-relieving medication or cold pads are used after the operation. Whether a splint has to be worn after the operation is usually an individual decision and also depends on the course of the operation and the type and duration of carpal tunnel syndrome.
It is important that the fingers are exercised independently from the first postoperative day. The fingers should be treated functionally with little or no stress in order to prevent stiffness and water retention in the hand. If no wrist splint has to be worn after surgery and exercises are started early, the hand is in most cases ready for use again very early in daily life and at work.
When should the splint be worn?
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are particularly pronounced at night because the wrist often bends during sleep, which increases the pressure on the carpal tunnel and the central nerve. A splint that is worn at night prevents this kinking and relieves the symptoms. The splint should not be worn during the day; rather, it is important to move the wrist normally during the day.
Otherwise the joint may stiffen and the muscles of the forearm and hand will weaken, which should not happen. In addition, excessive exertion of the hands during the day should be avoided. In particular, activities where the wrists are stretched or bent for long periods of time should be avoided (e.g. cycling).
Duration
A wrist splint can be a good solution to alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Especially for mild symptoms, wearing a splint at night can reduce the symptoms and speed up healing.The splint should be worn at night for as long as the carpal tunnel syndrome causes discomfort. In some cases, the condition will improve after a few weeks and then the splint can be removed.
If the symptoms persist despite wearing the splint, a doctor should be consulted again to discuss further treatment options. How long a splint should be worn after a carpal tunnel operation is usually discussed individually with the doctor in charge. In most cases, the time in which the splint should be worn after surgery does not exceed a few days or weeks.
