Postop Advice & Instructions
Keep your hand elevated at or above heart level for at least 48 hours after your operation - this improves pain, reduces swelling and aids healing.
Keep your dressings dry and do not remove or change them unless instructed. If they become soiled or uncomfortable they can be changed, however during normal working hours please contact the Hand Clinic for advice.
For bathing place a plastic bag over your dressings and keep your hand elevated.
Only remove your splint or plaster if you have been specifically instructed to do so by a hand therapist or surgeon.
During your operation local anaesthetic has been used to relieve pain post-operatively. It usually wears off after 6-24 hours. When the numbness starts to go you will experience some throbbing, discomfort or pain.
At this stage it is wise to take simple over the counter painkillers or your prescribed discharge medication so that you are comfortable.
We encourage early movement of the hand after surgery as this speeds recovery and helpos swelling. However, you must not move any joints that are immobilised with a splint unless specifically instructed to do so by your hand therapist and surgeon.
Do not smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to the fingers by 42% and reduces healing. It also has been shown for the patient to feel more pain, increases infection 4-5 fold, and can lead to more significant and irreversible problems.
Do not drive until you have been advised that it is safe to do so. It is the patients responsibility to ensure that they are in full control of a motor vehicle.
Things to look out for:-
If you are concerned contact the Hand Clinic or your GP during working hours.
For emergencies out of hours contact 111 or attend your local Walk In Centre or Accident and Emergency Department.
Keep your dressings dry and do not remove or change them unless instructed. If they become soiled or uncomfortable they can be changed, however during normal working hours please contact the Hand Clinic for advice.
For bathing place a plastic bag over your dressings and keep your hand elevated.
Only remove your splint or plaster if you have been specifically instructed to do so by a hand therapist or surgeon.
During your operation local anaesthetic has been used to relieve pain post-operatively. It usually wears off after 6-24 hours. When the numbness starts to go you will experience some throbbing, discomfort or pain.
At this stage it is wise to take simple over the counter painkillers or your prescribed discharge medication so that you are comfortable.
We encourage early movement of the hand after surgery as this speeds recovery and helpos swelling. However, you must not move any joints that are immobilised with a splint unless specifically instructed to do so by your hand therapist and surgeon.
Do not smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to the fingers by 42% and reduces healing. It also has been shown for the patient to feel more pain, increases infection 4-5 fold, and can lead to more significant and irreversible problems.
Do not drive until you have been advised that it is safe to do so. It is the patients responsibility to ensure that they are in full control of a motor vehicle.
Things to look out for:-
- INFECTION - Increasing pain, swelling, redness, discharge from the wound
- PROLONGED CHANGE IN SENSATION - Persistent change of sensation in the hand once the local anaesthetic wears off
- PROGRESSIVE, PAINFUL OR ITCHY SCARS - Scars that despite massage become progressively more swollen & tender, itchy
& red - CHRONIC PAIN & SWELLING IN THE HAND - Worsening pain, out of proportion to what you expect
If you are concerned contact the Hand Clinic or your GP during working hours.
For emergencies out of hours contact 111 or attend your local Walk In Centre or Accident and Emergency Department.
