Hand Surgery Patient Education guide

 Your Recovery Journey

Congratulations on completing your hand surgery. Following these instructions carefully will help ensure the best possible outcome and minimize complications. 

Recovery time varies depending on your specific procedure, but most patients see significant improvement within 6-12 weeks.

Immediate Care (First 48-72 Hours)

a. Pain Management

• Take prescribed pain medications as directed,      even if pain seems manageable.
• Keep your hand elevated above heart level      whenever possible, and over pillows when sleeping.
• Use ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours      while awake.

b. Wound Care

• Keep your dressing clean and dry.
• Do not remove or change the initial dressing      unless instructed.
• If the dressing becomes wet, cover it with a      plastic bag and take appointment for dressing.
• Avoid getting the surgical site wet during bathing.

c. Activity Guidelines

What You CAN Do

• Gentle finger movements as demonstrated by your      Dr. (if applicable)
• Light activities of daily living with your      unaffected hand.
• Return to work only after discussing with the      Dr.
• Do not drive without permission by Dr.

What You CANNOT Do

• Lift anything with the affected hand.
• Submerge your hand in water (baths, pools, hot      tubs).
• Engage in sports or strenuous activities.
• Remove Plaster, Dressing or sutures yourself.
• Ignore pain medication schedules in the first      few days.

d. Dressing Changes and Wound Care

When to Change Dressings

• First dressing change is typically 2-5 days      after surgery (or as instructed)
• Take appointment for dressing change dressings after      initial dressing is done.

How to Change Dressings (only after Dr. permission)

1. Remove old dressing gently.
2. Clean around the incision with mild soap and      water.
3. Pat dry with a clean towel.
4. Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment if directed.
5. Cover with clean gauze and secure with medical tape.
6. Avoid making the dressing too tight.

Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention

Contact your surgeon/nurse immediately if you experience:

• Increasing pain that does not respond to medication.
• Signs of infection: redness spreading beyond      the incision, warmth, pus, red streaking
• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
• Excessive bleeding that soaks through the      dressing
• Loss of sensation or inability to move fingers
• Fingers that turn blue, white, or extremely      pale
• Foul odor from the wound
• Separation of wound edges

Go to the Emergency Room (B block) if you have:

• Severe, sudden onset pain
• Complete loss of sensation in the hand
• Signs of severe infection with fever and chills
• Excessive bleeding that will not stop with      direct pressure.

Follow-Up Care

Appointments

• First follow-up:  After 2 days. 
• Suture removal: Typically, 14 days post-surgery.
• Physical therapy: May begin 4-6 weeks after      surgery, depending on your procedure.

Physiotherapy

• We will send insurance approval when considered      necessary after surgery.
• Attend all scheduled therapy sessions.      Preferably schedule not more than two sessions of physiotherapy in a week,      unless necessary.
• Perform home exercises as prescribed by physiotherapist.
• Communicate any concerns about pain or progress      to your therapist.
• Be patient - progress may seem slow initially      but is important for long-term function.

Long-Term Recovery Expectations

Timeline

• Week 1-2: Focus on wound healing and pain management.
• Week 2-6: Gradual increase in movement and light      activities
• Week 6-12: Progressive strengthening and return to normal      activities.
• 3-6 months: Full recovery for most procedures

Scar Management

• Massage the scar gently once healed (usually      after 2-3 weeks)
• Use sunscreen on the scar when exposed to sunlight.
• Silicone gel or sheets may help minimize      scarring (as adv by your Dr)

Medications

Pain Management

• Take medications exactly as prescribed.
• Do not skip doses in the first few days, even      if you feel better.
• Gradually reduce frequency as pain improves.
• Avoid alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

Antibiotics 

• Take the full course even if you feel better.
• Take with food if stomach upset occurs.
• Contact your doctor if you experience severe      side effects.

Nutrition and Lifestyle

Promoting Healing

• Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins C      and D, and zinc.
• Stay hydrated.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Manage stress, as it can slow healing.

When to Resume Activities

Work

• Desk work: Usually 1-2 weeks (depending on hand      dominance)
• Manual labour: 6-12 weeks or when cleared by surgeon.
• Discuss specific job requirements with your surgeon.

Driving

• Only after your Dr’s advice.
• Test in a safe environment (like an empty      parking lot) first.

Exercise and Sports

• Light exercise: 2-4 weeks (non-impact      activities)
• Contact sports: 3-6 months or when cleared by surgeon.
• Always discuss your specific activities with      your surgeon

Important Reminders

• Every patient heals at a different rate.
• Some swelling and stiffness are normal for      several weeks.
• Gradually increasing activity is better than      doing too much too soon.
• Keep all follow-up appointments, even if you      feel fine.
• Scar after surgery is unavoidable, however it      will improve with time and scar management.

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