Surgery on your wrist may be necessary to treat conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, or to repair fractures resulting from trauma. Nonetheless, the rehabilitation from wrist surgery can be generalized to most cases. For carpal tunnel syndrome, soreness or weakness in your wrist may take several weeks to a few months to resolve, according to the Mayo Clinic. The American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that scaphoid (small bone in your wrist) fractures may take six months to heal. Follow these guidelines to maximize your recovery.
Step 1
Avoid touching the incision site with any foreign object to prevent infection. Wash your hands if you are cleaning the wound or changing the bandage.
Step 2
Wear your cast or splint as directed by your doctor. Be sure to keep this clean also.
Step 3
Avoid heavy lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or throwing with the injured arm, recommends the AAOS. Do not participate in sports, climb ladders, or participate in activities in which falling is a risk.
Step 4
Avoid sleeping on your injured wrist. Do not place your wrist under your pillow. Sleep with your wrist elevated above the level of your heart if you are experiencing throbbing or pain.
Step 5
Follow your physical therapist's plan to gradually perform rehabilitative exercises to relieve the stiffness that you may be experiencing. Perform recommended stretches as directed.
Step 6
Gradually return to using your wrist when directed to do so by your surgeon.
Tips and Warnings
- Take pain medications as needed, but ween off of them as soon as possible to avoid addiction or other side effects.
- Alert your surgeon if you have worsening pain or may have re-injured your wrist.
