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