Hand surgeons are dedicated to improving the lives of those suffering from traumatic hand injuries and disorders, as well as other defects and conditions affecting the entire body, through patient care, education, and research. The hands have a complex anatomy, necessary for the fine motor skills needed for everyday actions. When surgery becomes necessary for any hand or wrist injury or condition, the recovery process is a vitally important part of restoring form and function.
The joints and bones in our extremities are often subjected to a consistent amount of stress, and are prone to pain or injury. When any of these structures become injured, pain and loss of function can put a damper on almost all activities. Hand pain can also be caused by diseases such as arthritis, and even related to blood vessel disorders. The wrist is also one of the most commonly injured joints in the body, and as the hand and wrist are connected, many problems affect the two together, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and arthritis.
Any hand or wrist problem causing pain, swelling, discoloration, numbness or a tingling sensation, or abnormal shape, that persists for more than two or three days should be evaluated by your doctor to establish the cause, and allow treatment as early as possible. Early diagnosis and early treatment generally give the best results.
Orthopaedic Associates hand surgery team of board certified and board eligible, fellowship-trained surgeons are dedicated to diagnosing and treating patients of all ages, suffering from injuries, conditions, and diseases affecting the hand, wrist, and upper extremity.
Recovery periods from hand surgery all vary depending on the severity of the case, the type of surgery, and the person. As each case is unique, hand surgery can often be a delicate and sometimes frustrating process.
For example, the recovery process for repairing a torn tendon can take up to 12 weeks for your hand to return to full strength, and up to six months for you to regain full mobility. Other types of surgeries, such as certain fracture repairs, can take anywhere from six to 14 weeks to heal.
In terms of pain, while patients normally experience discomfort and soreness following surgery, this is something that can be alleviated with the correct medication and treatment, depending on the severity of pain. For minor surgeries, such as carpal tunnel or trigger finger surgery, over-the-counter medications or pain killers may be prescribed by your orthopedist to alleviate your pain.
Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor about the timeline of your recovery process, before and after surgery, so you can plan and prepare accordingly. Know that your orthopedic surgeon is there to guide you along the way, to ensure you receive the best quality care, and most importantly, work hard to help you regain full range of motion, so you can get back to living your life.
To learn more about the recovery process from hand surgery, call Orthopaedic Associates at (440) 892-1440 to request an appointment.