Depending on the nature and severity of your injury and surgery, the specifics of your recovery will vary from person to person; however, some hand surgery recovery tips in Singapore are useful for everyone. It is essential to understand what to expect from recovery and how to navigate it as effectively as possible.
Recovery from hand surgery is a delicate and frequently frustrating process. To ensure that you regain your maximum range of motion, be sure to adhere to all of your surgeon’s instructions. Remember that you should always consult your doctor if you have questions during your recovery from hand surgery. So here is a list of recovery tips for you.
1. Keep your hand elevated.
It is crucial to keep your hand elevated after wrist arthritis treatment. Ideally, patients should maintain their hands at or slightly above the level of their hearts. It improves postoperative blood flow and circulation. Most patients find it most comfortable to rest their hands on pillows while sitting or lying on their backs.
After hand surgery in Singapore, elevating your hand and arm above the level of your heart reduces swelling and pain, especially during the first three to five days. It is essential to remind yourself to do this. Arranging your home so that you have places to elevate your hand, such as extra pillows in bed to prop your arm up or chairs with armrests in rooms you frequently visit, is a trick for reminding yourself to keep your arm elevated for optimal healing.
2. Listen to your body.
The doctor will likely prescribe pain medication to help you feel more at ease after having trigger finger treatment in Singapore; however, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s tolerance for pain medication is different. Consult your surgeon if you are experiencing severe pain incurable by medication, elevation, or therapy.
3. Prepare your home before surgery.
It is suggested that you prepare your space to be accommodating after hand surgery in Singapore. Post-surgery might not be the time to focus solely on the aesthetic qualities of furniture and décor. And a patient should rearrange their furniture for functionality and convenience before their scheduled surgery. Place frequently used items in convenient locations, equip chairs with armrests, acquire straws so you can drink without lifting your cup, plan meals, etc. These steps will make it easier to protect your hand during recovery.
4. Plan for pain.
Please consult your physician to determine what medications you need and how to take them. You will probably experience discomfort, soreness, and pain after surgery for your distal radius fractures; therefore, you may wish to stock up on over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
5. Utilise ice packs and cold compresses.
After trigger finger treatment in Singapore, cold compresses are excellent for reducing swelling and reducing inflammation. Be sure to apply these ice packs according to your team’s instructions. For the majority of patients, a 20-on, 20-off regimen is beneficial. It involves leaving the cold compress for 20 minutes, removing it for 20 minutes, and then repeating the process as necessary.
6. Plastic bags are now your best ally.
Priority should persist in keeping dressings and bandages dry after surgery. The purpose of your surgical dressings is to protect your incisions and prevent hand infection or further injury, so they must remain dry. Additionally, having plastic bags on hand for your shower or bath will prevent your wounds from getting wet until your surgeon gives you the all-clear to bathe or shower. You may also wish to purchase a shower sleeve, which is convenient and commonly available at medical supply stores and pharmacies.
7. Label items as ‘safe’ or ‘not safe’ for handling.
People typically use their hands without a second thought, but something they consider light before surgery may be just heavy enough to cause discomfort or complicate recovery. Labelling your possessions will serve as a visual reminder to be cautious and consider how you use your hands following hand surgery in Singapore.
8. Avoid strenuous activities.
Surgery patients should avoid strenuous activity for the first week after their procedure. Stress on the hand after trigger finger treatment in Singapore can lead to re-injury or other complications, and strenuous movement can make the swelling and other symptoms worse. Rest comes first, but 3-4 minute walks are recommended throughout the day to help with circulation.
9. Start occupational therapy.
An occupational therapist will provide you with exercise plans throughout your rehabilitation. These will include specific exercises and therapies to reduce inflammation and pain and restore range of motion, strength, and function. As with any minor injury like a wrist fracture, the sooner you start rehabilitation, the quicker the recovery.
10. Don’t neglect your therapy exercises.
Complete these exercises when your surgeon prescribes therapy as a component of your recovery. Physical therapy exercises restore hand strength, mobility, and flexibility even after suffering from distal radius fractures. Attempting to return to normal function without it can re-injure the hand; therefore, it is essential to continue the hand therapy regimen prescribed by your doctor. Setting alarms or reminders on your smartphone is a convenient method for keeping track of your therapy schedule.
11. Adjust surgical dressings as instructed.
Following wrist arthritis treatment, sometimes bandages and dressings are applied too tightly, resulting in hand or wrist swelling and discomfort. If the inflammation has not diminished within the next few days, you may loosen and adjust your surgical dressings as directed by your surgeon.
12. Respect your restrictions.
Respect the restrictions imposed by your physician for you to avoid injuring your hand and prolonging your recovery. It is essential to manage your expectations and anticipate what you can achieve during recovery.
Takeaway
You will be on track to restore your hand’s function, grip strength, and flexibility if you have a recovery plan in place and adhere to the care regimen prescribed by your hand surgeon.
Recovery from hand surgery in Singapore can be a slow and frustrating process, but there are benefits. And because there are numerous types of hand injuries and surgeries, you must maintain contact with your doctor and occupational therapist to follow their specific recommendations and modify your treatment plan as necessary.
For an effective wrist arthritis treatment, call Advanced Hand, Wrist & Nerve Centre today.
