Discharge Instructions for Wrist Arthroscopy

Activity

• Don't grip objects tightly or lift with your affected arm.

• Wear your bandage, splint, cast, or sling as directed by your health care provider.

• 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.

• Do the exercises taught to you in the hospital, or as instructed by your provider.

• Don't drive a car until your provider says it’s OK. And never drive if taking narcotic pain medicine.

• 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.

• Keep in mind that full recovery can take 3 to 6 weeks.

Home care

• Keep the dressing clean and dry. Your health care provider will tell you when and how to change your dressing.

• Shower as needed. Cover your wrist with plastic to keep the dressing dry.

• 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.

• Take pain medicine as directed.

Call 911

Call 911 right away if you have:

• Chest pain.

• Shortness of breath.

When to call your doctor

Contact your health care provider right away if you have:

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.

• Chills.

• Fingers that are pale or blue.

• An inability to move your fingers or hand.

• Increased redness, tenderness, or swelling of the incision.

• Drainage from or an opening of the incision.

• Increased pain with or without activity.