You had a wrist arthroscopy. This is a surgical procedure that helps the doctor diagnose and treat wrist problems such as fractures, cysts, and ligament and cartilage tears. Here are some instructions to help you care for your wrist after surgery.
Activity
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Don't grip objects tightly or lift with your affected arm.
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Wear your bandage, splint, cast, or sling as directed by your health care provider.
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Keep your hand raised above the level of your heart as much as possible for the first 2 to 3 days after surgery. This will help reduce swelling.
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Do the exercises taught to you in the hospital, or as instructed by your provider.
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Don't drive a car until your provider says it’s OK. And never drive if taking narcotic pain medicine.
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Ask your provider when you can return to work. If your job requires heavy lifting, you may not be able to return for several weeks.
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Keep in mind that full recovery can take 3 to 6 weeks.
Home care
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Keep the dressing clean and dry. Your health care provider will tell you when and how to change your dressing.
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Shower as needed. Cover your wrist with plastic to keep the dressing dry.
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Use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a thin towel to reduce swelling. Keep the ice pack in place for 20 minutes, then leave it off for 20 minutes. Repeat as needed.
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Take pain medicine as directed.
Call 911
Call
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Chest pain.
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Shortness of breath.
When to call your doctor
Contact your health care provider right away if you have:
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A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.
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Chills.
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Fingers that are pale or blue.
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An inability to move your fingers or hand.
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Increased redness, tenderness, or swelling of the incision.
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Drainage from or an opening of the incision.
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Increased pain with or without activity.
