After hand surgery, while specific guidance from your surgeon is paramount, it is often beneficial to move the unaffected joints of your hand and arm to promote healing and prevent stiffness.
General Guidance on Post-Surgery Hand Movement
It is generally encouraged to move joints on the surgical side that were not directly operated on. This helps to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness from setting in.
- Move Unaffected Joints: Focus on gently moving the joints in your arm and hand that are not directly involved in the surgery. For example, if your surgery was on your thumb, you should move your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and other fingers as much as possible. This type of movement aids in circulation and can significantly help with swelling.
- Elevate Your Arm and Hand: Keeping your arm and hand elevated, especially above heart level, is crucial for managing swelling and pain. Continue to elevate your hand if swelling or pain persists after 3-5 days post-surgery. This practice helps fluid drain away from the surgical site.
Why Movement Matters (for Unaffected Joints)
Moving your unaffected joints provides several benefits during recovery:
- Reduces Swelling: Gentle movement helps to pump fluids away from the surgical area, reducing swelling.
- Prevents Stiffness: Immobility can lead to joint stiffness. Moving unaffected joints helps maintain their range of motion.
- Improves Circulation: Enhanced blood flow brings essential nutrients to the healing tissues.
- Maintains Muscle Tone: Regular, gentle movement of adjacent muscles can prevent muscle wasting.
Important Considerations
While moving unaffected joints is beneficial, always follow the specific post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon or healthcare team. They will offer tailored advice based on the type and location of your surgery, the extent of the repair, and your individual recovery progress.
Consult your surgeon immediately if you experience:
- Increased pain that isn't managed by medication.
- Significant swelling that doesn't improve with elevation.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness.
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus.
Post-Surgery Recovery Table
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