1. A Patient’s Guide to
Carpal Tunnel Release
25 Thurber Boulevard, Unit 6
Smithfield, RI 02917
Tel: (401) 404-2975
Fax: (401) 404-2976
www.bsnidoctors.com

2. Introduction Frequently Asked Questions
What is carpal tunnel syndrome? How long will my surgery last? 45 minutes.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve as it
How long will I be in the hospital? This is a
passes through the carpal tunnel, a narrow canal in the wrist that allows
same-day surgery; no overnight stay will be
tendons and the median nerve to pass from the forearm to the hand.
needed for most patients.
This pressure results in pain and/or weakness in the hand.
When will my staples/sutures be removed?
What are my options? You will be scheduled for a post-operative
The standard options to consider include splinting, medication, appointment 14-21 days after surgery, at
occupational therapy, changes to workplace environment, and surgery. which time the sutures will be removed.
How do I choose? When can I drive?* Short drives are fine after 24 hours provided you feel
Surgery is often advised for those patients who present with concerning comfortable driving with your other hand.
weakness or other neurological symptoms, or have exhausted all other
options. When can I go back to work? This will depend on the individual and the
type of work being performed.
Light/sedentary work (lifting <25 lbs.) 2-3 weeks
Medium work (lifting up to 50 lbs.) 1-2 months
Strenuous work (lifting >50 lbs.) 2-3 months maximum
How active can I be? Activity is encouraged, and gentle upper extremity
exercises are helpful.
*Narcotic usage while driving is not recommended.

3. The Procedure
Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is performed under local anesthetic. Once the ligament is exposed, it is
With the palm facing up, a two inch incision is made in the wrist, and cut to make room for the median
the skin is moved back to expose the transverse carpal tunnel ligament. nerve. This reduces inflammation in
the median nerve, and reduces the
chances of the nerve becoming
irritated and inflamed in the future.
The incision is closed with dissolvable suture material and the patient is
often released from the hospital the same day. This type of surgery does
not require an overnight stay.

4. What to Expect After Surgery MEDICATIONS LIST
Pain at incision site: You may experience incisional pain for The following medications contain aspirin or anti-inflammatory agents,
approximately 5-7 days. Icing the incision along with anti-inflammatory which increase the risk of bleeding during surgery or injections.
and narcotic medications can be helpful.
These medications and supplements should NOT be taken up to 14 days
Stiffness of affected arm/hand: This is due to inflammation/swelling of prior to an injection to surgery.
the nerve roots 2-3 days following surgery. It will gradually improve and
slowly subside over the following week. Should you need pain relief medication, Tylenol is acceptable. You may
Decreased strength of affected arm/hand: This is due to surgical discuss other medication options with your physician or nurse if necessary.
manipulation and should improve over time with regular physical
therapy. Please note that this is not an inclusive list. If you have any concerns about
your current medications, please consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
You should call the office if you develop any neurologic
findings that were not present at the time of your hospital Advil Duradyne Nabumeton
AGGRASTAT Ecotrin Naprosyn
discharge. Examples include: AGGRENOX EFFIENT Naproxen
 Sudden or slow onset of weakness in the affected arm/hand Aleve Enbrel NSAIDS
 Excessive numbness/tingling/burning in the affected arm/hand Alka-seltzer Equagesic Norgesic
Anacin Etodolac Oxaprozin
 Elevated temperature (greater than 101 degrees)
Anaprox Excedrin Piroxicam
 Excessive redness/swelling of the incision Ansaid Feldene PLAVIX
 Drainage/oozing from the incision site ASPIRIN Fiorinal PLETAL
Bufferin 4 Way Cold Tabs PRADAXA
How do I get refills of my prescription? Call our prescription hotline Cataflex Garlic Tablets Relafen
during business hours (9am–4pm) at (401) 404-2975 x152. Celebrex Ginko Bilboa Reopro
Cephalgesics Ginseng Robaxisal
When will my sutures be removed? You will be scheduled for a post- Clinoril Ibuprofen Ticlid
operative appointment 14-21 days after surgery, at which time the CLOPIDOGREL- Indomethacin Trental
sutures will be removed. BISULFATE Indocin Vanquish
Coricidin Integrilin Vitamin E
When will I start physical therapy? This will be discussed at your first Ketoprofen
COUMADIN Voltaren
post-operative appointment. Daypro Lodine WARFARIN
When can I shower? 2 days after surgery with the original waterproof Diclofenac Meloxicam
dressing. You must replace the dressing after every shower with a clean, Diflunisal Midol Any herbal supplements or
dry dressing. Doan’s Mobic non-FDA approved drugs
Dristan Motrin
What about taking anti-inflammatory medications after surgery? Anti-
inflammatory medications may be taken (if needed) AFTER your *If you are taking any of the medication HIGHLIGHTED, you MUST
surgical procedure. consult your physician prior to discontinuing your prescription*