What should I do after hand surgery?
Elevate your arm and hand Continue to elevate the hand if swelling or pain persists after 3-5 days. Move your unaffected joints on the surgical side as much as possible to help with swelling and prevent stiffness. For example, if you had surgery on your thumb, then move your shoulder, elbow, wrist and other fingers.
How much rest is required after hand surgery?
Generally, it takes 2 to 4 months before the typical patient experiences enough recovery to return to work. Ultimately, it can take several months to more than a year to recover 100 percent, but this is not usually necessary before one can return to living a relatively normal life.
How should I elevate my hands while sleeping?
Positions in bed Lie down on your back, and elevate your affected arm on 1 to 2 pillows. If your hand is more swollen than the rest of your arm, elevate your hand on a larger pillow than the rest of your arm.
When can I shower after hand surgery?
When can I have a bath or shower after surgery? After 48 hours, surgical wounds can get wet without increasing the risk of infection. After this time, you can get your stitches wet briefly with a light spray (such as in the shower), but they should not be soaked (for example, in the bath).
Can I drive with stitches in my hand?
The DVLA rules state that patients can drive after hand surgery when they are safe to fully control the vehicle. You surgeon will give you advice and guidelines but it is your responsibility to drive only when you feel you have recovered sufficiently to be in full control of your car.
How do I keep my hands elevated after surgery?
Keep your hand elevated above the level of your heart for 3-5 days. While sitting in a chair or lying in bed, place your arm on pillows to keep it elevated. While walking around, keep your hand elevated on your opposite shoulder. You may discontinue elevation when lowering the hand no longer causes it to throb.
How do you elevate your hand while sleeping?
How do you elevate your hand in bed?
How do you wash your hands after hand surgery?
surgery. After 5 days, gently wash your incision first, then the rest of your body. When drying, pat your incision dry first, then dry the rest of your body being careful not to re-touch your incision. Diligent hand washing is the single best way to prevent infection.
How long should you wear a sling after hand surgery?
You will typically have to wear the sling for a few days for comfort and to elevate your arm to prevent swelling. You may remove your sling a few times (3-4) per day to move your elbow, wrist and fingers to prevent stiffness. You do not have to wear the sling to sleep.
How do you reduce swelling after hand 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.
How long do stitches stay in hand?
You will probably have a bandage. You will need to have the stitches removed, usually in 7 to 14 days. The doctor may suggest that you see a hand specialist if the cut is very deep or if you have trouble moving your fingers or have less feeling in your hand.
How do you take care of stitches in your hand?
After the first 24 to 48 hours, wash around the cut with clean water 2 times a day. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the cut with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage. Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
How should I care for my hand after hand fracture surgery?
Elevate your hand for at least three days after surgery. 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 is the best way to elevate your hand after surgery?
Elevation. Elevate your arm above your heart. The best way to do this comfortably is to lie flat on your back with your hand resting on a few pillows. Elevate your hand for at least three days after surgery.
How can I reduce swelling in my hand after surgery?
Swelling: Occurs 100% of the time. 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.
What is the best way to recover from a finger amputation?
The best way to do this comfortably is to lie flat on your back with your hand resting on a few pillows. Elevate your hand for at least three days after surgery. An ice pack applied directly to your post-operative dressing will reduce swelling and inflammation at the surgical site.