How long does hand surgery take to heal?

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Hand Surgery? While the obvious answer is “it depends,” there are some general rules and guidelines about recovering from surgery. Generally, it takes 2 to 4 months before the typical patient experiences enough recovery to return to work.

Is bruising normal after hand surgery?

Bruising is also common after operations. There may be some minor seepage from your wound following the surgery and this will settle over time.

How long does swelling last after hand surgery?

Swelling: You’ll notice swelling for the first week after surgery which is a normal response. Reducing swelling will help speed up the recovery process while also minimizing your pain.

How long does stiffness last after hand surgery?

A bad injury or major surgery will make your hand stiff. It usually takes about 6 months to really loosen up scar tissue. Do NOT expect your hand to be “normal” after a bad injury or major surgery. After a bad injury or major surgery your hand will never be exactly as it was before.

How long does it take for a nerve to heal after surgery?

Successful nerve growth to the neuromuscular endplate may take as long as 6-12 months after surgery. After this period, nerve maturation and initial muscle recovery may take 12-18 months. Remember our body is hard at work healing before any electrical recovery can even be detected in the growing nerve fibers!

How can I strengthen my hands after surgery?

Hand Exercises After Surgery

1. Tight Fist Exercise — Make a fist, clenching tightly.
2. Finger Bend Exercise – Extend your fingers, keeping them straight.
3. Finger to Finger Exercise – Touch you thumb to your index finger to form an “O.” Then straighten your fingers and touch your middle finger with your thumb.

What does a post surgery infection feel like?

Surgery that involves a cut (incision) in the skin can lead to a wound infection after surgery. Most surgical wound infections show up within the first 30 days after surgery. Surgical wound infections may have pus draining from them and can be red, painful or hot to touch. You might have a fever and feel sick.

How do you get rid of scar tissue after hand surgery?

Scar management treatments may include: Scar massage can help decrease sensitivity and loosen any deeper areas that seem “stuck.” Scar massage helps to produce a smooth, moveable scar. You can use any type of over-the-counter cream such as Vaseline, cocoa butter or hand lotion for this.

How do you get rid of swollen hands after surgery?

Ice. An ice pack applied directly to your post-operative dressing will reduce swelling and inflammation at the surgical site. Ice can be particularly helpful for the first three days after surgery.

Why is my hand swollen after surgery?

Sometimes bandages and dressings are on a bit too tight following surgery, which can lead to swelling and discomfort of the hand or wrist. If swelling hasn’t improved after a few days, you can loosen and adjust your surgical dressings as instructed by your surgeon.

How do you loosen stiff joints after surgery?

The first-line treatment for stiffness is hand therapy, often using splints with springs or rubber bands on them to stretch out the digit. A certified hand therapist will be most effective in mobilizing the digit. Therapy is continued for as long as it continues to increase motion.