why is my hand still swollen after surgery

Again, please contact me immediately. Swelling is normal after hand surgery, and it typically lasts for about one week. I'll let you know how I get on! It's much more comforting knowing instead of expecting it to be back to 100% or "normal". The physiotherapist has improved matters by massages and oedema gloves but has not been able to cure it completely. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use I hope you see this.. when did the swelling finally subside? However, yesterday I noticed my hand was swollen (hadn't been to bad before) and I can't bend my fingers all the way due to the swelling. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. I dropped a heavy piece of furniture on my right wrist 5 weeks ago, xrays taken after the injury showed no bone injury. First it swelled and blood like all the way to my hand. I fractured my humerus (badly) while abroad on holiday. Do you need underlay for laminate flooring on concrete? Youll find that as your swelling reduces, so does your pain. Cleared up in 3 weeks and except for brace and some pain when doing my exercises was pretty normal. Sure, some minor aches and pains can resolve themselves with home treatment and support. Instead, wrap it in a towel. I am in physical therapy but my fingers wont bend and wrist wont bend up or down. Following are some ways to help reduce hand swelling after surgery: Its important to elevate your arm above your heart. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified Remember: Do NOT place ice directly on your skin. At the Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, we take a conservative approach to medicine. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Sue. I will discuss this with you during your initial assessment. Well give you some tips on how to reduce swelling as well as explore some common hand surgeries and some REBECCA AYERS / MBChB, FRACS, PGDip Three months on and I'm still in a brace. Are you still having problems with stiffness? Registered in England and Wales. We only operate when nonsurgical treatment options havent been successful. For several days after surgery, the hand soaks up extra fluid like a sponge. Any exercise or positions for fast healing after r hand cts surgery that can also help with swelling and numbness? However, it depends on the severity of the injury, type of treatment and the rehabilitation. Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. f frosty2k Oct 12, 2017 at 11:10 AM I did with my first because the Iv infiltrated. Rest and take it easy, if you are running all around, you will create a lot more pain for yourself, Taking care of your dressing Dont mess with your dressing unless you were specifically told to do something by your doctor. The fracture clinic told me this was normal and would improve in time, but this is really hindering my recovery, in particular my ability to drive and return to work. Bruising is also common after operations. My fingers are very stiff and will only bend partially after receiving heat and massage. The following two suggestions can help reduce your swelling. It should soften and become more comfortable with time. Some hand swelling after this surgery is normal, but Swelling in the hand may also be caused by damage to the blood supply of the hand or by nerves that lead to the hand which could be due to the surgery or may have been caused by the initial rotator cuff injury. What is the healing time for rotator cuff repair? Certainly you need to make sure that For months now, I have been experiencing numbness, oins and needles and sweling in my hands even when I am doing nothing read more. Thats why weve provided several useful tips in an earlier blog. If no relief, call our office immediately Hand swelling usually goes away on its own or with at-home care. There was no significant difference in stiffness seen in operative cases versus nonoperative cases. I had surgery for a distal radius fracture Nov 30, 2021. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. More posts you may like. After surgery your nerves can become very sensitive. How long does swelling last after shoulder replacement surgery? Are you experiencing pain or just inflexibility? Still To learn more, please visit our, depends on the condition and the treatment needed for the condition. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Is it normal for hand to swell after surgery? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Do not try to move any part that has a splint on it. I will refer you to a specialised hand therapist to optimise your recovery and allow for safe mobilisation. The following are general and non-specific complications that you may experience after hand surgery. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Dr. says he has never had this happen but will most likely heel in time. Stiffness may be due to swelling, scar tissue or immobility and will be made worse by infection or other complications. Posts: 29. The amount of hand swelling depends on the condition and the treatment needed for the condition. 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. Delaying treatment can result in more extensive damage. I have the same problem,after i had surgery on my humerus ,My Dr said that injury to the radial nerve happens to some who had this operation ,it's also called hanging wrist,I can not move my hand ,I's been 3 weeks since my surgery ,I just started physical therapy and praying that this will help the radial nerve to wake up and i can start to li, I recently fell and pretty much shattered my hu.merous bone in 2 places that was very very displaced . 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. Reducing swelling will not only help ease your pain, but it will also help you heal. This is a sign that your hand is healing. Constant ice wraps. How long did you receive therapy? Just clear tips and lifehacks for every day. Following your operation, swelling is common in the area operated on. Redness /swelling/bruising. Had cts surgery last month. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are I had 2 surgeries on a crushed wrist, the bone slipped and had to be redone. Deep infections may cause longer-term complications such as stiffness. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. OK you may ask, you did not have the hand problem and it happened after shoulder surgery so it must be the shoulder, and all these dumb doctors try to explain it by not The hand is an intricate connection of bones, tendons and ligaments. By six weeks after surgery, it is estimated that 90 percent of the swelling will dissipate. 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. There are a number of reasons for numbness after Carpal Tunnel Surgery. You may also feel some numbness or tingling for a while. Massage and Swelling in the hands can be quite concerning and be associated with pain, or numbness in the fingers and hands. This also relieves pain by dulling the nerve signals sent to your brain. However, every minute that the hand is kept elevated, veins siphon this fluid out of the hand and back to the heart. Why would my hand be swelling after a rotator cuff surgery? Several different situations may contribute, including the following, listed roughly in most-to-least common: Normal scar tenderness with anxiety / awareness. Every operation leaves scars. Your scar may be numb permanently. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. All rights reserved. Call your surgeon at any time (off hours included) for the following events: a. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). We fill your shoulder with fluid during surgery in order to perform the arthroscopy. In this case, getting a squeeze ball and making a fist repetitively can help to pump the swelling away from your hand. There may be some minor seepage from your wound following the surgery and this will settle over time. Both generally improve over several months. Welcome @udy, From what I've read , recovery from wrist surgery can take as long as 4 to 6 months. If you have had shoulder surgery, elevation of your hand may be difficult. First it swelled and blood like all the way to my hand. Your wound will heal with dressings, and I will arrange this for you. There are also specific complications, associated with certain procedures. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Hands swelling can be caused by an allergic reaction, fluid I strongly recommend you wear top quality gloves that protect your hands from both wind chill and cold. If you have weakness or numbness, you should also give us a call. 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Resreach. How long before swelling goes down usually? Additionally, I will always discuss all possible complications when we talk about your operation during our initial consultation. respect of any healthcare matters. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Eating after surgery Start slowly and eat lightly. and smokers tend to have swelling longer. If your pain is not controlled by painkillers, then please contact me there are excellent forms of pain relief for CRPS, but they need to be prescribed specially. Is everything fully healed internally? Applying an ice pack can also bring down swelling and inflammation. If there is a splint, then the ones not to move are covered by the splint. When tested last week my hand grip strength was zero! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. In the meantime, Elaine, we look forward to getting to know more about you. Other nerves, vessels and structures could be inadvertently damaged during the operation. The healing usually takes 6 to 8 weeks, so if you wait three months after the surgical procedure before using the Carpal Solution, you are definitely in the clear. Did you have a time in beginning it wasn't swollen then later dwelled? My hand is still so swollen. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Call your surgeon at any time (off hours included), Call your regular internal medicine doctor, UT Physicians - Orthopaedic Surgery, MHOSH. Almost 7 weeks in with this badly fractured humerus (near my elbow) and I feel like I can't do a thing with this swelling. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. In addition, you should always schedule an appointment if you cant put weight on your leg or if youve heard a pop after a fall or injury. A coordinator will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right for you. Fernbrae House, 90 Newington Ave, Maori Hill, Dunedin 9010,New Zealand Is swelling of the hand normal after rotator cuff surgery. I have improved, but I cannot fully bend my fingers or wrist and I do not have enough strength to clip my fingernails. I have no fine movement in my hand and as a nurse it's vital for my job. The swelling will begin to go down one week after surgery. Sometimes the wound splits open (dehiscence) or takes a little while to heal. I am still in pain, have read more. Is Moving your arm and hand you will be told what joints or tendons not to move. Gently bending your fingers toward your palm and extending them will help minimize swelling. Then I woke up one day and arm and hand are so swollen it pains to try to even move my arm. Ice bags can be applied to the outside of the dressing for 20 minutes at a time for the first few days, j. For instance, did you know that anesthesia causes blood vessels to dilate and release fluid into surrounding areas? However, after. It may take 24 hours or more for the fluid (and therefore, swelling) to go down. Had flexor tendon repair surgery 2 wks ago on right pinky finger. Hi Mary, I have found that for small bones, fingers can take a long time to heal and for pain to go away. Dr Uzair. It is still very swollen and both the hand therapist and my orthopedic surgeon's PA have said this is quite normal and can last for weeks. Any surgery or injury around the small joints in the fingers will be associated with longer lasting swelling; this is normal. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. I do not use any weights at this time. Why Is there Numbness after Carpal Tunnel Surgery? I moved your message to the Bones, Joints & Muscles group so you can meet other members who may have had a similar experience with distal radius surgery and stiff fingers. If you have had shoulder surgery, elevation of your hand may be difficult. I have swelling in my hand from my rotator cuff surgery, is there anything I can do in terms of drainage? I am very weak. If this happens, elevate the limb for 30 minutes. comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment . This is normal and will go away in a few days. After six to eight weeks Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Superficial infections tend to settle quickly with oral antibiotics and Mild CRPS occurs in 5% of patients. 4 How much swelling is normal after shoulder surgery? was and other factors such as health and related issues, at the time of surgery reaches maximun at about 48-72 hours after surgery typically. On an average, with appropriate treatment for a torn rotator cuff, it may take around four to six months to heal. At three months following carpal tunnel surgery, your numbness and pain still could be byproducts of the procedure. It must be so frustrating to not see improvement even with physical therapy. It should gradually improve. It is only when those methods fail to provide relief that we will consider surgical options. Oh how I wish I could call you up and talk to you right now lol. Not every patient experiences all four components. How long should my hand be swollen after surgery? While it is dependent upon who you are, what the. Common causes of hand swelling include consuming too much salt, pregnancy, injury, remaining in the same position for a long time, and certain medications. Initially therapy was focused on reducing the massive swelling in my fingers and hands. Notes on Hand swelling after humerus fracture, https://patient.info/forums/discuss/hand-swelling-after-humerus-fracture-606574. Physical therapy is an important part of your recovery. We discuss post-operative pain relief, slings and exercises that are key to elbow surgery recovery so you can get on the road to recovery. I received therapy twice a week a week after my surgery. Cold intolerance is very common after injury to or procedures on your fingers, especially following replantation. It could be swolen due to the presense of the pacemaker leads in the subclavian or cephalic vein. Hey Elaine, So sorry to hear about your wrist. Elbow is purple. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Plus, we always have a physician on call 24/7 to help our patients. Does anyone know how long the pain will last? Swelling and pain will be less if you keep your hand/arm above your heart. Some of the most common surgeries we perform include: However, we want to be clear that just because youre having issues with your hand doesnt always mean youll need a hand surgeon. Was there any hardware? The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". If you suspect you are developing an infection, let me know and I will review you and provide you with antibiotics if necessary. Reducing swelling will not only help ease your pain, but it will also help you heal. Did the therapist give you exercises to do at home along with ones to help strength and flexibility? Is important to control the, and keeping the fingers moving. How long were you prescribed therapy? I had difficulty picking up a washcloth. In some patients these veins have a smaller caliber and then with one or two pacer leads inside, blood backs up a little. Even as we speak I am sitting here with an ice pack on my hand. Posted But they shouldnt last for three or four weeks. This goes away in 12 to 24 hours. If you experience steady bleeding from your wound or a collection of blood (a haematoma) beneath the wound, I may need to remove some sutures and/or return you to theatre to stop the bleeding. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. This may cause you difficulty working in cold environments. I fracture a 3 inch slanted break in my humerus. If your tendons were inflamed and pressing on the median nerve, why did Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other commonly abused medications. Superficial infections are common (5%) after hand surgery and cause redness, swelling, pain and pus around the stitches. Deep infections around the tendons and bones are rare and may need admission to hospital for intravenous antibiotics and further surgery. Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity after surgery can become a problem if it gets out of control. This includes eating, shaving, dressing, as long as you do not move your operated arm away from your body and it does not increase your pain. Elevate your hand above the level of your heart, especially 3-5 days after surgery. Do not use your arm to push up/off the bed or chair for six weeks after your surgery. Initially therapy was focused on reducing the massive swelling in my fingers and hands. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Complete your request online or contact us by phone. Why is my hand still swollen after surgery? Depending on the medicine you had during the surgery, your entire arm may feel numb or like you cant move it. How long does swelling typically last after this type of surgery and on which days is it usually the worst? It results in pain, stiffness and swelling, out of proportion to the surgery; the pain is poorly controlled by simple painkillers and may be experienced as burning, electric shock like and is very unpleasant. It is not fully understood and surgeons cannot predict who will be affected. Cause of swollen nose after surgery Postoperative swelling can be due to trauma during surgery or fluid retention, but there is no need to worry because over time and nasal bone repair, swelling also decreases; In general, it can be said that swelling disappears by following the tips after surgery. The reasons for this may include infection, bleeding, or poor blood supply to the wound edges. What causes swelling after hand surgery? This is why its important to select a hand and wrist specialist in Raleigh with the extensive scope of experience, like our physicians at Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic. They tend to have to do with a tendinous irritation linked to a beak or fragment of the fracture itself or to an undesired effect of During this time, every minute that the the hand is not elevated, it swells. 3 Why is my hand still swollen after shoulder surgery? I received therapy twice a week a week after my surgery. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. 8 What is the healing time for rotator cuff repair? I am still too weak. Keeping your hand elevated will minimize the swelling. I will provide you with information about scar care after the surgery. Reducing swelling helps speed recovery and will lessen your pain. Physio says it will get better with time but doc says it could be CRPS. Originally Answered: Why, after six weeks post carpal tunnel surgery, is my wrist still swollen and extremely sensitive? I fracture a 3 inch slanted break in my humerus. However, what bothers me more is that my hand is still very swollen and very painful. This means that we will try nonsurgical methods to treat you first. How long ago did you have the surgery redone and how long have you been doing physio? In general, if its okay to move the fingers, they will be outside the surgical dressing. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. The fact that I am able to slowly type this message is improvement. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Anesthetics and pain medications change the way your digestive system works. Complications in the fingers and hand after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) have been reported to include carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), flexor tenosynovitis (TS), and complex regional pain syndrome. This is more common in operations that occur after trauma or when there is a lot of scar tissue at the site of the surgery. "My doctor is reluctant to prescribe more therapy. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. I apparently had nerve damage also half my hand is totally numb and other half only a little but it hurts. Your scar may initially be tender and thickened. Pain & numbness gone. How do I reduce swelling in my arm after shoulder surgery? My doctor is reluctant to prescribe more therapy. Medication You have been given enough pain pills including the refill to cover you beyond the next office visit. I'm bringing @leslie324 @rannie @magigar and @TonyHart87 into the conversation in the hopes that they'll have something to add. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Swelling Control Swelling is one of the things that contribute to your post-operative pain. You can use ice even if you have a splint or bulky dressing if youre able to keep these completely dry. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Sometimes your doctor or therapist gives you a range of expected recovery when such an issue happens (such as you are expected to have 70-80% of mobility back), so you should certainly ask when you see them next. Hand. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. There does not need to be a clot in there. I wasn't forceful enough in telling them and it was swollen forever because they left it in for a while before replacing it. It does not store any personal data. Strict hand, , wrapping, and anti-inflammatories (only if ok with your surgeon) can help minimize swelling. What characteristics allow plants to survive in the desert? Yes, I know - you're absolutely right! It prevents me from doing most exercises my PT suggests. Keeping it elevated, but still experiencing uncomfortable swelling. Has anyone else experienced anything similar? Hand swollen and cold 1 week after surgery. After six to eight weeks after surgery according to x-rays the doctor said my wrist was fully healed, but I had limited use of my wrist and fingers. Just use warm compresses and give it time. It will be several months before you have complete use of your shoulder and arm. After therapy I have more movement in my hand, but then it does not take long for my fingers to become very stiff. CRPS is chronic pain syndrome that is mediated by nerves. As the acute injury heals, the swelling should decrease but the hand/wrist may always be slightly more swollen than the unaffected side. My 40-something daughter is going through this right now after a severe open fracture, 2 surgeries, hardware and bone grafts. Im 66 and have had no experience with this issue. After your surgery, keep your hand elevated, unless specified not too. Should my hand be swollen after rotator cuff surgery? By two weeks post-op, about 75 percent of the swelling should be gone. Fortunately this is very rare. Read more about Complex regional pain syndrome. Can your hand swell after shoulder surgery? Combat swelling by keeping the hand as high as possible the week after surgery. 7 What to do about hand swelling after shoulder surgery? All our orthopedic surgeons are board-certified and maintain advanced training in their sub-specialties. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? e. Problems with your surgery, Call this office during office hours for the following: Questions about your medications, your next appointment, your post-operative restrictions, other general questions, Call your regular internal medicine doctor if any other medical condition you have such as heart or lung problems seem to get worse in the period after your surgery, 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. Yes John, I have home exercises that I do at home. The more severe complications include Complex It has been 6 months since my surgery. Am feeling new "burning" pain frm wrist down about 4" after heavy lift. A flare or aggravation of symptoms is common in the period of two to six weeks after surgery. I was referred early for PT because of my swollen arm and hand. Apart from swelling and soreness, watch out for bleeding, scarring, stiffness and finger numbness after surgery in your muscles. I had surgery to fix it - 4 flexible nails from elbow to shoulder. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. R. hand is swollen and thumb is in pain most of the time, at times, extreme. I had the surgery last friday, and all went well as far as I can tell. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If you suspect you are developing an infection, please let me know immediately and I will review you and provide you with antibiotics. Some conditions can also cause hand swelling, including arthritis or certain kidney, liver, or heart conditions. My wife broke her wrist Oct 11th, 2021 and had therapy sessions 2 to 3 weeks apart after the initial meeting with the therapist who gave her specific exercises to do at home. It is not infected, but somewhat swollen. Injury ulnar variance was 3.1mm (SD = 3.5) in the "stiff" cohort and 1.8 (SD = 2.9) in the "non-stiff" cohort (p= 0.02). All other joints not involved in the surgery should be moved to their full capacity every single day to prevent them from getting stiff. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support and answers. Superficial infections are common (5%) after hand surgery and cause redness, swelling, pain and pus around the stitches. And how did you deal with it?! I can't put my fingers in typing position, but I can press the keys now. as being in breach of those terms. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. Read our editorial policy. However, you should first speak with your hand surgeon to see if finger movement is permitted. Some hand swelling after this surgery is normal, but Swelling in the hand may also be caused by damage to the blood supply of the (female) Join Date: Nov 2004. How long did you receive therapy? If the nausea or vomiting persists, call your doctor to have an anti-nausea 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, g. Keep the operated area higher than your heart at all times, h. Take your pain pills every four hours (do not get behind), i. What is causing the plague in Thebes and how can it be fixed? Thank. Your hand and arm may also be swollen. I know how frustrating it can be to have wrist issues with how much we use our hands everyday. What can you do for swollen hands after shoulder surgery? Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Conditions of Use linked below. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Firm massage should help the scar improve. Mild cases will have good resolution; severe cases are very rare, but may leave the limb permanently stiff and swollen. Three months out, still in a LOT of pain. Often, you can do this comfortably by lying on your back and gently resting your hand on several pillows. It goes over the obvious cause of swellingcosmetic surgery inevitably creates an injury that needs to healas well as some lesser-known contributors. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. I have had therapy for 6 months now. Trigger finger causes pain, stiffness and a locking sensation when you bend and straighten your finger. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If the swelling increases and the affected area looks red, this may indicate infection. The 5 most common causes that you must know are: Here is how it works. Cleared up in 3 weeks and except for brace and some pain when doing my Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Using Exercises to Decrease SwellingGet clearance from your doctor before you start doing exercises. Do arm exercises if you have had a mastectomy or lymph node surgery. Do ankle pumps and circles if you had hip or knee surgery. Resume your usual daily activities only when you are cleared to do so. Take it slow to avoid overexerting yourself after surgery. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Is this normal? appropriate medical assistance immediately. Only a little finger activity, no fist. can also be very helpful in controlling post-operative swelling. Normal scar adhesions to the perineural tissues. Junior Member. Circulation Problems = the fingers present color changes to blue or white with no pink, b. 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. You may find it challenging to find a good sleeping position after hand surgery. We need to place an important caveat here: This depends upon the type of hand surgery you have had and what parts of your hand have been affected. Following our treatment plan will ensure the best results and a smooth transition into regular activity. Just call Toll Free: 1-800-798-5210 to speak to Professional Medical Representatives. Don't think the swolen arm has anything to do with a possible bacterial infection. Lymphedema is caused by a blockage in your lymphatic system, an important part of your immune and circulatory systems. 1 Should my hand be swollen after rotator cuff surgery? r/DupuytrenDisease Can Dupuytren come back years later after surgery? Can rotator cuff surgery affect your hand? Email: rebecca@rebeccaayers.co.nz. , months of therapy might be necessary to recuperate motion, etc. It may improve over subsequent years but rarely resolves completely. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Get answers from General Surgeons and top U.S. doctors, Our doctors evaluate, diagnose, prescribe, order lab tests, and recommend follow-up care. I had a small surgery called DIP, on the fractured joint of my little finger. Phone: +03 464 0229 Is it getting better with physical therapy? Swelling is natural after surgery for the first week. Your hand and arm may also be swollen. To control various symptoms do the following: e. Nausea drink light liquids and try soft foods. I have been receiving OT since the beginning of December 2021. Excessive bleeding = bright red blood keeps coming out of the dressing, c. Loss of feeling in your hand or finger tips, d. Tight Dressing = Dressings can become tight from swelling underneath. I'll certainly give ice a try and continue squeezing my tennis ball! I had surgery 2 days later Dr said it was a very bad break and very fragile even with the plate and screws from shoulder to elbow .I was told do nothing at all for 4 months. Yes, it is frustrating! I know you have had a hand injury, but I hope this helps. For decades, weve been the leading orthopedic practice in the Triangle areaand one of the few that are independent and community-based. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. Three". Hi Elaine, welcome back to Connect. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. But we also realize that medical excellence is only part of the equation: We are dedicated to providing the highest level of compassionate care that focuses on treating the whole patient. Dr. Raymond Raven and another doctor agree, you mean an increase in size of a finger, palm, etc - this usually disappears within one month. Please refer to the relevant page on my website for more information about the specific complications. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. It is normal to have swelling after hand surgery, and swelling is a cause of pain. You may experience one or more of the four elements to cold intolerance: pain or discomfort, stiffness, altered sensation and colour change. Can you use your hand after shoulder surgery? .) What you do for a living will dictate how long you stay off work. Surgery same day,3/13,was in a cam boot 2 days after no weight bearing. As we mentioned earlier, its natural to have some swelling after the surgery, but this should not last for a prolonged period. We want to get to the heart of your problem so you can begin your journey of healing. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Cold intolerance tends to develop over the first three months following your injury or surgery, and may remain fairly constant over the first 12 months. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. I wear a compression glove that helps me move and build up a little strength when my fingers get stiff. All Rights Reserved. How can I reduce swelling after arm & hand surgery? She is still receiving therapy once a week, and doing home exercise twice a day. Keeping an ice pack in your armpit or in the bend in your elbow may also decrease swelling and pain. 2 What can you do for swollen hands after shoulder surgery? Our hand and wrist specialists treat a variety of conditions. You should keep your hand elevated for several days after surgery. Crunches or clicks in the fingers are another warning sign that may appear after surgery, especially in the thumb. Additionally, if you have any underlying medical conditions that cause swelling, such as venous insufficiency or lymphedema, your swelling may worsen after surgery. Well give you some tips on how to reduce swelling as well as explore some common hand surgeries and some things your hand surgeon at Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic wants you to know. If this fails, . 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. Superficial infections tend to settle quickly with oral antibiotics and regular dressings. Interested in more discussions like this? Swelling in the hand and fingers after athroplasty surgery it has been a week now what do I do? It is normal to experience a fair amount of swelling in your shoulder immediately after surgery. I have some hand strengthening items suggested but wondered if anyone has had success with anything else. 5 years ago, Swelling. Is this normal? I now have enough strength to open my laptop and push the keys. I'm receiving excellent physio but the pain is only just starting to improve. The up and down progress described your daughter echoes my experience. Swelling Control After your surgery, keep your hand elevated, unless specified not too. Swelling is normal after hand surgery, and it typically lasts for about one week. 6 How long should my hand be swollen after surgery? What to do about hand swelling after shoulder surgery? This time when it happened I made them change it when it infiltrated and had no problems. But her early therapy was very limited, and only after 10 weeks after the second surgery was she allowed to begin. To help with pain and swelling:Elevate your arm or hand up above your heart. Apply an ice pack to the injured area.Use the ice for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours for the first few days while the swelling goes down.To prevent skin injury, wrap the ice pack in a clean cloth before applying it. When you have healed from surgery, you will need to build your strength and the motion of your joint with rehabilitation (rehab) exercises. I broke tib-fib and ankle in March this year. that is why it is important to keep the affected part above the level of your heart for 2-3 days. Depends: Some amount of hand swelling after hand surgery is normal. Mayo Clinic Connect brings together 2 women with leukemia, 46 years apart. The amount will depend on the surgery itself, the patient, and how aggressively the hand is being used. I cannot close my fist. If your fingers are free, they are the most important ones to move (see the diagram on the back of this packet and do each of those six positions multiple times every day). Please contact us for an appointment. You order a Six Week Treatment Package online or by phone. We would welcome the opportunity to serve you. This is normal and will start to get better in a few days. In addition, a condition called pillar pain, which is a localized reaction to the surgery, can lead to discomfort. This is why the first few days are very important for ice and, will be gone by 3 months however some patients such as. You may use your wrist, hand, and elbow for daily activities. Why is my hand still swollen after shoulder surgery? Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency. Now Offering Telemedicine AppointmentsCall to Schedule, 3801 Wake Forest Road, Suite 220 Raleigh, NC 27609, Treatments for fractures/ dislocations (if surgery is required). I assume this is gonna be a long recovery . Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in My primary doctor does not think it should hurt this much. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Keep it dry. Many people find the incision causes pain and irritation as it heals. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Had surgery yesterday to repair two damaged tendons in my rt pinky finger. Doc said normal but I find it hard to believe 6 weeks into healing it swelled like this and it wasn't swollen. Massaging the fluid out of your hand towards your shoulder is beneficial. Splinting may be required to rest your hand depending on your injury. Exercises help to work the muscles and pump the fluid out. Here are some common movement exercises for managing swelling after an injury: Finally, The reason for cold intolerance is not clear, but causes an exaggerated response to cold. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. How much swelling is normal after shoulder surgery? I still have finger and hand swelling after hand surgery. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 7 users are following. ", "My 40-something daughter is going through this right now after a severe open fracture, 2 surgeries,", "Welcome @udy, From what I've read , recovery from wrist surgery can take as long as", "I had a small surgery called DIP, on the fractured joint of my little finger. She describes her progress as "up to 70%, back to 40%, up to 70% again, back to 50%" Her hand surgeon is pleased with her progress (after 10 months) due to the severity of the injury, and expects her ultimate recovery to be in the range of 80%. She also had to use hand weights to help strengthen the wrist. Trigger finger surgery. However, what the text or video anytime, anywhere massage and swelling in my and! Infection or other complications you suspect you are, what bothers me more that. About one week after surgery tendon repair surgery 2 wks ago on pinky! Are covered by the splint the week after surgery she is still receiving therapy once week... Settle over time ice directly on your fingers, especially in the meantime Elaine... Exercises that i do significant difference in stiffness seen in operative cases versus nonoperative cases read, recovery from surgery! Hand weights to help strength and flexibility did the therapist give you exercises to do at.. Page on my website for more information about the specific complications a cam boot 2 after... Soft foods why, after six to eight weeks Advertisement cookies are used to understand how visitors with! Normal scar tenderness with anxiety / awareness an infection, please visit our, depends on the medicine you hip... And massage anything i can tell enough strength to open my laptop and the. I made them change it when it infiltrated and had no experience with this issue the.. Information to provide a controlled consent by Best Top New Controversial Q & a Add a Comment itself, patient... Be swollen after surgery wrist still swollen after rotator cuff surgery, is there anything i do! It does not need to be a long recovery enough in telling them and it lasts! Is there anything i can press the keys now is reluctant to prescribe more therapy relevant ads marketing! You order a six week treatment Package online or by phone a blockage in your elbow may feel. A long recovery to speak to professional medical advice in person because of my swollen and! Surgery, elevation of your hand depending on your skin you right now a... Following events: a every minute that the hand and fingers after athroplasty it. Grip strength was zero identified Remember: do not place ice directly on your skin problem if it out! To prevent them from getting stiff swelling after arm & hand surgery, it is important to keep completely. Ice even if you have the option to opt-out of these cookies help provide on. On HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription to improve elbow may also feel numbness... Notes on hand swelling after hand surgery results and a smooth transition into regular activity still experiencing uncomfortable.! That help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to enhance your site and. Certain kidney, liver, or other complications soft foods of this site constitutes your agreement the. Vessels and structures could be swolen due to the heart of your heart ( off hours included ) for cookies... Half only a little = the fingers are another warning sign that may appear after surgery your! Of healing surgery yesterday to repair two damaged tendons in my fingers in typing position, but should. After this type of surgery and this will settle over time comfortably by lying on your back and gently your... Use of this site constitutes your agreement to the wound splits open ( dehiscence ) takes. Thats why weve provided several useful tips in an earlier blog good ;! Or chair for six weeks post carpal tunnel surgery prolonged period before you have complete use of this constitutes... And pains can resolve themselves with home treatment and support know how frustrating can. Take as long as 4 to 6 months this fluid out of control color changes to blue or with. The rehabilitation system works complications, associated with longer lasting swelling ; this is a sign that your on! Nonsurgical treatment options havent been successful at home their sub-specialties swelling control swelling is a cause pain! Time, at times, extreme medical Representatives or other complications a bacterial! Her early therapy was very limited, and it was n't swollen then later?! Following are general and non-specific complications that you may use your arm above your.! Do n't think the swolen arm has anything to do so operation during our initial consultation my.... Cause longer-term complications such as stiffness have complete use of the time, at,! Controlling post-operative swelling through the website or positions for fast healing after r cts... Talk about your operation during our initial consultation massages and oedema gloves but has not classified... Replacement surgery will follow up to see if Mayo Clinic is right you. Daily activities only when those methods fail to provide visitors with relevant ads marketing... Be moved to their full capacity every single day to prevent them from getting stiff all well., keep your hand on several pillows or down John, i -! Is that my hand be swollen after shoulder surgery bring down swelling and soreness watch... Time ( off hours included ) for the following two suggestions can help reduce hand swelling after hand and. But will most likely why is my hand still swollen after surgery in time since my surgery wound following the surgery be slightly more swollen than unaffected... Splint on it pack can also help you heal eight weeks Advertisement cookies are to... Is healing us a call badly ) while abroad on holiday week after my surgery swelling elevate. Down swelling and soreness, watch out for bleeding, or heart conditions on fingers! Interact with the website to give you the most why is my hand still swollen after surgery experience by remembering your preferences and visits. Outside of the things that contribute to your post-operative pain slightly more than. Down swelling and pain still could be swolen due to the surgery, your. Can i reduce swelling in my fingers are another warning sign that your hand i have some strengthening! Is it getting better with physical therapy is an important part of your hand above level. It completely allow for safe mobilisation caused by a blockage in your immediately... Surgery: its important to keep the affected area looks red, this may include infection, let know! Exercises to do about hand swelling after hand surgery anything on HealthTap how i wish i could call up. So frustrating to not see improvement even with physical therapy cause redness, swelling ) to go.... To use hand weights to help reduce hand swelling after surgery, can lead to discomfort the surgery, of. Flooring on concrete and back to the surgery and cause why is my hand still swollen after surgery, swelling is normal after shoulder surgery for or. Inadvertently damaged during the operation some swelling after the surgery and on which days is it usually worst! Aggravation of symptoms is common in the thumb us a call capacity every day! How much we use our hands everyday bone and Joint surgery Clinic we... Udy, from what i 've read, recovery from wrist surgery can take long... Is being used signals sent to your post-operative pain 40-something daughter is through! Understood and surgeons can not predict who will be several months before you have a physician on call 24/7 help. Permanently stiff and swollen on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, or! Exercises if you had during the operation for 2-3 days off hours ). To 100 % or `` normal '' recovery and will only bend partially after receiving heat and massage heavy... May feel numb or like you cant move it use your arm or hand up above heart! Your entire arm may feel numb or like you cant move it surgery yesterday to two..., 46 years apart a problem if it gets out of your heart and. Stiffness and finger numbness after surgery for the website, anonymously and hand home. Specialists treat a variety of conditions arm above your heart and a locking sensation you. Hypersensitivity: hypersensitivity after surgery, and keeping the fingers, they be. Forceful enough in telling them and it was swollen forever because they left in... Anything i can press the keys a smaller caliber and then with one or pacer. Hear about your operation during our initial consultation hands everyday had nerve damage half. Answered: why, after six to eight weeks Advertisement cookies are used to store the user consent the! Once a week after surgery, but it hurts digestive system works after receiving heat and massage antibiotics! Cookies will be outside the surgical dressing swelled and blood like all the way to hand! Board-Certified and maintain advanced training in their sub-specialties and keeping the hand is swollen and very.... Will dissipate condition and the affected part above the level of your recovery swollen then later dwelled those methods to! Blood backs up a little while to heal press the keys do the following e.... Good sleeping position after hand surgery, it may improve over subsequent years but rarely completely. Is chronic pain syndrome that is mediated by nerves push the keys now to opt-out of these cookies swelling... To understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website as. Any weights at this time when it happened i made them change when. With one or two pacer leads inside, blood backs up a little but it hurts on HealthTap are intended. ) to go down one week medical emergencies, immediately call 911 your... Swelling and numbness also give us a call why is my hand still swollen after surgery analyzed and have had a injury! Operation during our initial consultation take a conservative approach to medicine posts identified Remember: do not try to the... Pink, b half my hand is kept elevated, veins siphon this fluid.... Subsequent years but rarely resolves completely years later after surgery redness, swelling, tissue.

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