- Your hand may be immobilized in a bandage or splint after surgery. Your physician will decide the length of time of the immobilization. ...
- There may be some restrictions placed on activities and work after the surgery. This also will be determined by your physician, based on an individual basis.
- Rehabilitation may be recommended to increase the strength and function of the hand. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy and/or occupational therapy. ...
How do I take care of my finger after finger surgery?
No matter the reason for your finger surgery, it's important to precisely follow doctor's instructions following the actual procedure. Cover the bag in a clean, dry washcloth and place over the hand for 15 minutes once every one to three hours.
How do you treat a broken finger that won’t heal?
wearing a splint at night for up to six weeks to keep the affected finger straight while you sleep taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve), to ease pain (though they won’t likely decrease swelling)
When do you need surgery for broken fingers?
This may be used when there is a bone fracture, or broken bone, in part of the hand, including the fingers. This type of surgery realigns the broken bone and then holds it in place, or immobilizes it, while it heals.
How do you treat a swollen hand after surgery?
Cover the bag in a clean, dry washcloth and place over the hand for 15 minutes once every one to three hours 2. Elevate your hand above your heart to reduce swelling and ease discomfort 2 .** Change your hand dressing at least once every two days, if possible 1.
How long does it take to recover from finger surgery?
Your doctor will take out your stitches 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. It will probably take about 6 weeks for your finger to heal completely. After it heals, your finger may move easily without pain.
Do you need physical therapy after finger surgery?
Following surgery, bones, muscles and soft tissues undergo a period of healing. Failure to use the joint may cause it to heal improperly. This can limit range of motion, flexibility, function of the joint and overall surgical outcome. This makes it essential to complete physical therapy after surgery.
Is there pain after finger surgery?
A: Aching and throbbing of the hand and swelling and bruising are all common. If local anesthetic has been injected at the time of surgery, it may be a day before sensation improves. Discomfort is improved by elevation, ice, ibuprofen (if tolerated).
How long does swelling last after finger surgery?
Swelling is normal after hand surgery, and it typically lasts for about one week. Reducing swelling will not only help ease your pain, but it will also help you heal.
How long does pain last after finger surgery?
This feeling will probably get better in a few days, but it may take several months to completely go away. Your doctor will take out your stitches 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. It will probably take about 6 weeks for your finger to heal completely. After it heals, your finger may move easily without pain.
How do you bend your finger after surgery?
Be sure to bend your fingers as much as you can and place your thumb around the outside of your fingers. Do this for several seconds, then straighten and spread your fingers as far apart as you can. You can also grip a ball or other round, solid object in the palm of your hand to increase resistance.
How do you sleep after finger surgery?
Your surgeon might teach you the “hand above elbow, elbow above heart” rule. When sleeping, it may help to use a large mound of pillows, either beside you or on your chest, to keep your hand and wrist in this elevated position.
What is the fastest way to recover from hand surgery?
Rest after wrist surgery or hand surgery is crucial. We'll ask you to keep your hand and wrist elevated above your heart to reduce swelling and pain. The more often it is elevated in the days after surgery, the faster you will heal. Pillows stacked on your bed, couch or recliner will do the trick.
What can you do at home after surgery?
You'll need some pure entertainment to pass the time.Discover new music. ... Watch the movies that you've always wanted to see. ... Get lost in a good novel. ... Listen to audiobooks. ... Learn some card tricks. ... Play classic games with your visitors. ... Subscribe to a streaming service. ... Solve crossword puzzles.More items...
How do you reduce swelling after finger surgery?
Ice. An ice pack applied directly to your post-operative dressing will reduce swelling and inflammation at the surgical site. Ice can be particularly helpful for the first three days after surgery.
What helps reduce swelling after surgery?
Apply ice packs: Applying clean ice packs to swollen tissues can help reduce swelling. The ice causes the blood vessels to contract. Care must be taken when applying ice packs to the tissue to avoid further injury; ice packs should only be applied for 15-minute increments.
How do I reduce swelling in my finger?
How to Get Rid of Swollen FingersKeep your hand/arm elevated. If you keep your hand down, gravity is keeping the extra fluid in your hand. ... Apply ice to the affected area.Wear a splint or compressive wrap. Do not apply too tightly. ... Take anti inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen.
Why do you have to have a trigger finger surgery?
Surgery for trigger finger is done to increase the space for your flexor tendon to move. Your flexor tendon is a tendon in your fingers that is activated by your muscles to pull on the finger bones. That allows your finger to bend and flex. After surgery, the finger can bend and straighten without pain.
What are the complications of trigger finger surgery?
They move and test your finger during surgery. If complications occur, they may include: nerve damage. bowstringing, when too much of the sheath is cut.
How does an IV work?
An IV consists of a bag of liquid medicine that flows into a tube and through a needle into your arm. Your surgeon numbs the area by injecting a local anesthetic into your hand. Then they cut about a 1/2-inch incision in your palm, in line with the affected finger or thumb. Next, the surgeon cuts the tendon sheath.
What is the procedure to release a tendon in the middle of the finger?
Percutaneous release. This procedure is most commonly done for the middle and ring fingers. You may have this procedure done in your doctor’s office. Your doctor numbs your palm, then inserts a sturdy needle into the skin around your affected tendon.
What is the best medicine for tendonitis?
taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve), to ease pain (though they won’t likely decrease swelling) one or two steroid (glucocorticoid) injections near or into the tendon sheath to reduce inflammation.
How long does it take for a finger to heal after a percutaneous release?
It may take up to three to six months for the last bit of swelling and stiffness to disappear. Recovery may be shorter if you had a percutaneous release. Recovery may be longer if you had surgery on more than one finger.
What is trigger finger?
painful fingers, thumbs, hands, or forearms. the inability to do daily tasks without them being awkward or painful, including work, hobbies, or activities you enjoy. feeling embarrassed or nervous about having trigger finger.
What equipment is needed for finger surgery?
** Your physician may provide you with the equipment needed to keep your hand and fingers in place -- including finger splints, gauze, tape and braces.
How to get rid of a swollen finger?
Create an ice pack by putting ice cubes in a sealable plastic bag. Cover the bag in a clean, dry washcloth and place over the hand for 15 minutes once every one to three hours 2. Elevate your hand above your heart to reduce swelling and ease discomfort 2 .**. Complications From Trigger Finger Surgery. Learn More.
What Is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger, or flexor tenosynovitis, is a condition where inflammation causes thickening of the flexor tendon in the finger, which then causes nodules to form. The inflammation and nodules make it difficult for the tendon to pass through the sheath surrounding it. Sometimes, the tendon sheath thickens as well, causing a narrow passageway.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Trigger Finger?
The easiest and most common way to identify trigger finger is observing how the finger reacts when you bend or straighten it. The affected fingers or thumb typically snap closed and stick in that position. You might experience pain and swelling in the finger or even a lump near a joint. Sometimes, you might need to extend the finger manually.
What Happens During Trigger Finger Surgery?
Surgeons perform trigger finger procedures in an outpatient setting, and you can expect to return home after. You’ll receive anesthesia before your surgery so you can remain still for a more effective result. The practitioner makes a small incision into the palm during the procedure and opens the tightened sheath.
What Is Recovery Like After Surgery?
After trigger finger surgery, you might experience minor swelling and soreness for several days. You might also have difficulty moving the finger initially, but this will improve in a few weeks. You might experience slight numbness or tingling near the incision site — this sensation will improve over time as well.
At-Home Care
After surgery, take the following steps to ensure a smooth healing process:
Things To Watch For
If you have any of the following side effects, it’s important to call the office and tell them what you’re experiencing:
Contact The Hand and Wrist Institute Today
If you’ve been suffering from the symptoms of trigger finger and want to schedule an appointment to discuss surgery, reach out to our Dallas-area offices today. Dr. Knight and his team will go over treatment options and help you get back to a pain-free life.
How to recover from hand surgery?
Tips for Hand Surgery Recovery 1 Follow all hand surgery aftercare instructions. 2 Call the emergency number with any concerns after surgery. 3 Prepare your home before surgery. Make things easier to reach and plan for places of rest with elevation. 4 Know your lifting limitations and weigh items around the house to have a clear idea of their weight. 5 Have plastic bags to cover your hand and wrist when showering. 6 Ask for help and accept it. Meals prepared in advance, assistance with routine chores, and visits from friends will help you relax and recover after surgery. 7 Wear the bandages and splints until your doctor says you may remove them. 8 Do all prescribed rehabilitation which may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage or heat therapy — never stimulation and home exercises.
How to be more comfortable after hand surgery?
Regardless of the type of hand or wrist surgery you have, these tips will help you be more comfortable in the weeks after. Follow all hand surgery aftercare instructions. Call the emergency number with any concerns after surgery. Prepare your home before surgery.
How to improve quality of life after hand surgery?
For an overall improvement to your quality of life, you need proper rest and rehabilitation. Proper hand surgery aftercare will ensure that you heal well, reduce lingering pain, and get a handle on daily life after your procedure. Prior to your hand surgery or wrist surgery, it’s important to ask questions and heed the instructions given by your ...
How to recover from a sprained wrist?
Have plastic bags to cover your hand and wrist when showering. Ask for help and accept it. Meals prepared in advance, assistance with routine chores, and visits from friends will help you relax and recover after surgery. Wear the bandages and splints until your doctor says you may remove them.
How to prepare for surgery?
Make things easier to reach and plan for places of rest with elevation. Know your lifting limitations and weigh items around the house to have a clear idea of their weight. Have plastic bags to cover your hand and wrist when showering. Ask for help and accept it.
Can you take painkillers after surgery?
Minor surgery may only require over-the-counter medication for pain while you may need painkillers after more complex surgery. We may also ask you to take an anti-inflammatory or antibiotic as part of your treatment plan.
How to get swelling out of hand after surgery?
Combat swelling by keeping the hand as high as possible the week after surgery. Pump swelling out of the hand by using the muscles and doing exercises like the "six-pack" exercises shown in the diagram included with Hand Therapy Basics. Do not try to move any part that has a splint on it.
How to take care of a dressing?
Keep it dry. During bathing enclose it in a plastic bag, seal the bag to your skin above the dressing and place a small towel inside the seal to catch any water that breaks through.
What to do if you have a sudden crisis after a heart attack?
Call 911 – if you have a sudden crisis that has to do with anything other than your arm during the period after your surgery such as symptoms of a heart attack or other serious event. Medication – You have been given enough pain pills including the refill to cover you beyond the next office visit.
How to eat after surgery?
Eating after surgery – Start slowly and eat lightly. Anesthetics and pain medications change the way your digestive system works. If you had an anesthesia tube in the throat, you may be hoarse, have a sore throat, and even spit up small amounts of blood.
What happens if you move your arm and hand?
Moving your arm and hand – you will be told what joints or tendons not to move. If there is a splint, then the ones not to move are covered by the splint. All other joints not involved in the surgery should be moved to their full capacity every single day to prevent them from getting stiff.
Can Benadryl help with nausea?
If the nausea or vomiting persists, call your doctor to have an anti-na usea medication prescribed. f. Itching – Itching is a common side effect from pain medications and over the counter Benadryl is still the best medication you can take for this. Controlling Your Pain - You are going to have pain, you can count on it.
Is it hard to get rid of stiffness after hand surgery?
This will be the hardest part about having hand surgery. You will not believe your hand could ever be this stiff. The earlier you can get back motion the better. Once stiffness sets in, it is very difficult to get rid of. Numbness: Every incision cuts through small nerves in the skin.
How long does it take for a trigger finger to heal?
Everyone heals at a different rate, but generally, recovery from trigger finger surgery takes a few weeks, although there could be some swelling and stiffness in the finger for up to six months after the procedure. You may also feel some numbness or tingling for a while.
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger, where one finger is stuck in a bent position, not quite out straight but not folded in, is a common finger ailment. It can be annoying, inconvenient, and painful as you lose the range of motion in the affected finger. If you have tried nonsurgical treatments, such as splinting, exercises, and steroid injections, ...
How long does it take to recover from trigger finger surgery?
Although it’s a simple procedure, trigger finger surgery recovery time is several weeks, with more time for finger exercises and a full recovery.
How long does it take for a bandage to come off?
This is usually about three days. Once the bandage comes off, keep the incision clean by washing gently with soap and warm water. Pat the area dry—don’t rub it. Don’t use any other type of cleanser, including hydrogen peroxide, unless you have been told to.
How long does it take to change a bandage after discharge?
This is usually about three days.
What are the symptoms of a finger nerve?
Stiffness, with development of adhesions (scar tissue) Bleeding. Infection. Injury to the digital nerve in the finger or thumb. (There are two nerves for each digit.) Ask your doctor or the discharge nurse what you should do if you notice signs or symptoms of complications.
How long do you have to stay off work?
If you have a more physical job that you need your hands for, you may have to stay off as long as six weeks while your hand heals.
What is the procedure to replace the skin on the fingertip?
Skin grafts. Skin grafts for the hand involve replacing or attaching skin to a part of the hand that has missing skin. This surgery is most often done for fingertip amputations or injuries. Skin grafts are done by taking a piece of healthy skin from another area of the body, called the donor site, and attaching it to the injured area.
What is the procedure to reattach a finger?
Replantation. This type of surgery reattaches a body part, such as a finger, hand, or toe, which has been completely cut or severed from the body. The goal is to restore as much function as possible. Replantation uses microsurgery. This is a complex type of surgery that uses tiny tools and is done under magnification using a microscope.
What is tendon repair?
Tendon repair. Tendons are the fibers that join muscle to bone. Tendon repair in the hand is a difficult surgery because of the structure of the tendon. Tendon injuries can occur due to infection, trauma, or sudden rupture. There are 3 types of tendon repair: primary, delayed primary, or secondary.
How long does it take for a tendon to heal after a tendon injury?
Secondary repairs may occur 2 to 5 weeks or longer after the injury. They may include tendon grafts. This is when tendons from other areas of the body are inserted in place of the damaged tendon. Or other more complex procedures may be used.
How long does it take for a nerve to heal in the hand?
Some nerve injuries may heal on their own. Others may require surgery. Generally, surgery is done about 3 to 6 weeks after the injury. This is the best time for nerve repairs that are linked with other more complicated injuries.
How long does it take to repair a tendon?
There are 3 types of tendon repair: primary, delayed primary, or secondary. Primary repair of an acute or sudden injury is often done within 24 hours of the injury. This is usually a direct surgery to fix the injury.
What is the best hand surgery?
Hand surgery is a broad term that covers many different types of procedures. Plastic surgeons who perform hand surgery seek to restore hand and finger function. But hand surgeons also try to make the hand look as normal as possible, as well. Hand reconstructive surgery may be done for many reasons, including: 1 Hand injuries 2 Rheumatic diseases, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, that change and damage the structures in the hand 3 Degenerative changes to the structures in the hand 4 Problems or defects of the hand that are present at birth, or congenital 5 Infections of the hand
What is the trigger finger?
Trigger finger is the common name for a handcondition your doctor might call stenosing tenosynovitis. It happens when something inflames a band of tissue called a “pulley,” which holds the tendon to the finger bone , most often in the ring finger or thumb. This narrows the space in the tube, or “sheath,” around the tendon and causes stiffness ...
What to do if your finger is locked in a closed position?
Before Surgery. If your finger is locked in a closed position, you may need exercises, splints, or physical therapyto get it unlocked before surgery. This depends in part on the specifics of your case and how your doctor plans to approach the procedure.
What to do if your finger is locked?
If your finger is locked in a closed position, you may need exercises, splints, or physical therapy to get it unlocked before surgery. This depends in part on the specifics of your case and how your doctor plans to approach the procedure.
What to do if you still have pain after a hand surgery?
Your doctor might recommend that you do hand exercises or physical therapy if you still have pain after that. Some form of this surgery has been done for about a century, and the success rate is over 90%. There are possible problems like tendon or nerve damage, infection, and scarring.
How to Reduce Swelling After Hand Surgery
As we mentioned earlier, it’s natural to have some swelling after the surgery, but this should not last for a prolonged period. You’ll find that as your swelling reduces, so does your pain. This is a sign that your hand is healing.
Common Hand Surgeries
Our hand and wrist specialists treat a variety of conditions. Some of the most common surgeries we perform include:
3 Things Your Hand Surgeon Wants You to Know
At the Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, we take a conservative approach to medicine. This means that we will try nonsurgical methods to treat you first. It is only when those methods fail to provide relief that we will consider surgical options.
Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic: Treating Hand Conditions to Get You Back in the Game
The hand is an intricate connection of bones, tendons and ligaments. When one of those is injured, it can not only affect your entire hand, but it can make your everyday tasks difficult or even impossible.