Hands are among the busiest and most functional parts of your body that you use every day. From the moment you wake up and brush your teeth to the second you go to bed and turn off the lights, your hands will do many tasks—both simple and complex—throughout the day.
Because they are being used most of the time, this makes them prone to injuries. It will be more difficult to accomplish things when your hands hurt, but thankfully, most hand issues are easily treated. They can go away with a cold compress, a massage, or even just rest.
However, if nonsurgical treatments seem ineffective, you may be required to undergo hand surgery.
What to Expect with Hand Surgeries
Keep in mind that there are different reasons for your hand to hurt, and the treatment will also depend on the cause of your hand pain. Most common hand issues include carpal tunnel syndrome, traumatic injuries, ganglion cysts, arthritis, tendonitis, ligament injuries, and trigger finger. Based on the cause and severity of the hands’ condition, some surgical treatment may include joint replacement, tendon repair, closed reduction and fixation, fasciotomy, nerve repair, or surgical drainage or debridement.
The actual procedure can take as little as 20 minutes, but some intricate surgery can take much longer. Nevertheless, you would have to go through different stages of recovery after your surgery, and here are a few things you can expect:
Splint or Brace
A common way to allow the hands to heal faster is by wearing a splint or brace. With this, the hands will be immobilized to avoid putting pressure and bending the joints. Ultimately, this will help accelerate the recovery period and not delay it. Your hand surgeon or physician will also decide the length of time of the immobilization, and this may take a couple of weeks up to a few months.
Mild Pain
Keep in mind that it is normal to experience some mild pain after your hand surgery, which can be minimized through over-the-counter pain medications. However, if the pain becomes unbearable, you should talk to your doctor immediately so that they can give their professional advice on how to overcome the discomfort. Furthermore, to help deal with the pain and enhance recovery, there may be some restrictions placed on activities and work.
Repeat Surgeries
The hands are intricate and sensitive parts of your body. Depending on the type of surgery and its underlying cause, you may have to go the same or a different surgical procedure to let your hands feel better.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after surgery is crucial because its main goal is to increase the strength and function of the hand. During this period, a trained specialist will facilitate the process, which may include exercises for the hand, heat and massage therapy, splinting, traction, and nerve stimulation.
Conclusion
Your hands are one of the most important parts of your body because of how often you use them. As with any other surgery, there are after-care needs that you have to comply with to ensure a smooth recovery. Make sure to get in touch with an orthopedic hand specialist to reduce risks, including infection, blood clots, and loss of feeling or movement in your hands and fingers.
Through the help of qualified and experienced hand surgeons, risks are minimal. Hand & Wrist Center, led by Dr. Richard D. Curtis and Dr. Jose Baez, has been providing this since 1995. We are a state-of-the-art surgical facility in Jacksonville, Florida, staffed by a team of dedicated practitioners whose primary goal is to ease any hand or wrist discomfort you may experience. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services!
