Why Is Your Palm Blue After Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed within the carpal tunnel of the wrist. The carpal tunnel is formed by the wrist bones and a strong band of connective tissue that runs across the top of them. Besides the median nerve, the carpal tunnel also holds tendons that bend the fingers and thumbs. Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when that area becomes irritated or thickens. This creates the compression on the median nerve. You will feel carpal tunnel syndrome by numbness or tingling in your hand. You may also feel it as a weakness in your grip.
Surgical Treatment
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Though mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated nonsurgically, many cases require surgery to reduce the pressure on the carpal tunnel. More than 350,000 surgeries for carpal tunnel release are performed each year in the United States. This is done by cutting the connective tissue across the top of the carpal tunnel. Local anesthesia is injected into the wrist so no pain is felt during the surgery. A tourniquet is used on the upper arm to reduce bleeding during the operation. A cut is then made in the palm, and the connective tissue is cut, relieving the pressure on the carpal tunnel. The skin is then closed with sutures.
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Following Surgery
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Your bandaged hand will need to be kept elevated following carpal tunnel surgery to keep the swelling down. You may also be given pain medications to reduce inflammation and to use ice packs to also reduce swelling. Keep the dressing clean and dry. You will need to cover your hand with a plastic bag when showering or bathing. The sutures will be removed after about 2 weeks, and then you will need to do exercises your doctor will give you to regain the strength in your hand.
What a Blue Hand Means
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Though most surgeries go problem- free, there are some risks to carpal tunnel surgery. They include blood vessel damage, infection, nerve damage and tendon damage. The color of your hand could be indicative of a problem. Dark blue or brown discoloration of the hand following the surgery is not unexpected and should disappear in a few days. The discoloration comes from bruising and should disappear. However, if your hand turns pale blue or white, it could indicate a circulation problem, and you should contact your doctor.
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