Carpal tunnel is a syndrome that can happen to anyone who makes the same hand motions over and over again. It is not always noticeable, as many people who go to work daily will repeat the same hand functions without noticing it. Many jobs, from typing to factory positions, can cause carpal tunnel syndrome to occur. If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, you have several options, with one being surgery. Here is what you can do to help ensure your hand health after orthopedic surgery. 

Commit to a set of gloves

One of the ways that you can help your hands go back to normal after surgery is to commit to wearing a pair of gloves to protect your hands. An orthopedic specialist will be able to fit you for carpal tunnel gloves in order to tighten around the hands and keep the blood flowing appropriately. Have the specialist measure your hands to determine whether you need full-length gloves over the fingers or if you just need your hands and wrists covered. If you wear a uniform, be sure to get a doctor's note that states that the gloves are vital towards your healing at work. 

Stand up and move

When you go back to work after your surgery, it can be tempting to get back into the swing of things. After carpal tunnel surgery, it is important that you recognize that a change in habits is better for your nerve health. Stand up a few times per hour and move your limbs around. If your hands begin to ache, you should perform stretches and exercises that alleviate the pain inside of the fingers. If your hand begins to go numb, stop the task that you are doing and move on to another task that will not require the same amount of pressure on your fingers. 

Participate in physical therapy

Physical therapy will be a major component to preparing your hands for your job. Your orthopedic specialist will be able to suggest physical therapy that will provide you with exercises and movement that heal your blood vessels and hand movement. Going to physical therapy in the weeks and months after surgery will provide you with the chance to relearn how to fluctuate your hand movements and motions and commit to the health of your wrists. Through physical therapy, your orthopedic specialist will also be able to tell if your job is still exacerbating your hand issues. 

For more information and help with your carpal tunnel syndrome, contact an orthopedic specialist or visit websites like https://www.towncenterorthopaedics.com/.