What to Expect After Hand Surgery: Recovery Timeline

• How Long Does it Typically Take to Recover From Hand Surgery?
• Hand Surgery Recovery Timeline
• How to Reduce Swelling from Hand Surgery
• Things to Do and Things to Avoid While Recovering from Hand Surgery

Hand injuries are common, whether due to daily activities or repetitive motions, and many people find themselves considering or undergoing hand surgery. In fact, there has been an increase of 36% in hand surgery referrals with carpal tunnel being one of the main reasons.  If you are contemplating hand surgery or have recently undergone the procedure, you may have questions about the recovery process.

The recovery timeline and experience can vary significantly from person to person, depending on factors such as the type of surgery and individual health conditions. Understanding what to expect during the recovery process, including the estimated duration, can help you better prepare for the journey ahead.

Coastal Orthopedics believes in empowering our patients to make informed decisions and providing comprehensive post-operative care for all surgeries. This article will explore the recovery process following hand surgery, including the typical timeline, what you should do to aid your recovery, and what activities to avoid. By understanding these key aspects of the recovery process, you can work with your healthcare team to ensure a smooth and successful healing journey.

How Long Does It Typically Take to Recover From Hand Surgery?

Recovery from hand surgery varies for each individual, and while the timeframe may differ, there are some general guidelines to consider. Typically, it takes 6 to 14 weeks before patients feel recovered enough to return to work. 

It’s important to note that recovery times can vary widely among patients, even those with similar conditions and surgeries.  Although achieving full recovery can take over a year, depending on the procedure most individuals are functional enough to return to work within several months.

If you’re contemplating hand surgery or already have it scheduled and are curious about the recovery process, here’s a general timeline to give you an idea of what to expect:

Immediately After Hand Surgery

If your surgery was outpatient, you’ll need a trusted individual to drive you home afterward. With your hand immobilized in a splint or bulky dressing, you won’t be able to operate a vehicle.

Due to safety and liability concerns, most medical facilities now mandate that the driver be someone personally known to you, not a hired service like Uber, Lyft, or a taxi.

24 Hours After Surgery

After most procedures, you will be encouraged to begin range of motion exercises including bending and straightening the fingers. These exercises promote blood circulation in your hands and arms, aiding recovery.

Two Weeks After the Operation

As your body initiates the healing process, you may experience some discomfort and soreness. Follow your doctor’s prescribed pain medication regimen to manage this discomfort effectively. Most procedures can be managed by over-the-counter pain medications within 1-3 days. Additionally, plan to revisit the doctor’s clinic for suture removal. Some procedures may require a transition to a removable brace for support.

Depending on the procedure, you will likely begin hand therapy during this time. Hand therapy helps with recovery and movement, which is why it’s so important to start as soon as recommended by your doctor. 

Weeks Three to Five

You might find that you no longer require pain medication at this stage. Although there may still be lingering swelling and occasional pins-and-needles sensations, you’re nearing the conclusion of the recovery phase.

Typically, you are weaning out of a splint at this stage, if one was recommended for your specific procedure.

Week Six

At this point, you should be ready to resume work, although starting with reduced hours and limiting hand usage is advisable as you recover. Use pain and swelling as a guide to return to work and activities. If your job demands extensive hand gripping, pulling, or pushing, you might need to extend your leave before returning full-time.

Keep up with your prescribed physical therapy exercises at home to aid in your recovery process. Additionally, ensure you attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and address any concerns promptly.

The body’s response to injury causes swelling, which is common after surgery. This natural process involves the influx of fluid containing infection-fighting cells to promote wound healing. Thus, swelling is not exclusive to hand surgery but is typical after most surgical procedures.

To reduce swelling during hand surgery recovery, keeping the hand and arm above heart level as much as possible is important. This practice should commence immediately after surgery and continue for 3–7 days until swelling subsides. If allowed, finger range of motion will also help with swelling and circulation.

While brief periods of arm lowering for rest are permissible during this time, they should be minimized.

Patients can take several steps before and after hand surgery to facilitate a speedy and complete recovery. Factors that contribute to the effectiveness of hand surgery recovery include:

• The nature and complexity of the surgery are typically beyond the patient’s control.
• General health and healing ability, along with efforts to optimize these factors. For instance, individuals with diabetes should maintain stable blood sugar levels before and after surgery.
• Lifestyle choices include adopting a nutritious diet rich in proteins and complex carbohydrates.
• Adherence to the surgeon’s pre-operative instructions.
• Commitment to the post-operative rehabilitation plan.
• Managing stress levels during recovery can enhance healing and shorten recovery time.

Certain practices should be avoided before and during recovery to optimize recovery outcomes. These include:

• Smoking as it impedes wound healing throughout the body.
• Excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate conditions like diabetes and heart disease, disrupt sleep patterns crucial for wound healing, and weaken the immune system.
• Failure to manage other medical conditions effectively, such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.
• Deviating from the prescribed rehabilitation plan outlined by orthopedic surgeons and rehabilitation specialists.
• Overusing the hand too soon after surgery.
• Avoiding the use of the hand entirely post-surgery may lead to stiffness issues.
• Neglecting to elevate the hand as instructed to minimize swelling and promote healing.
• Keeping the non-surgical part of the hand immobile. For example, if the surgery targets the thumb, moving the fingers daily is essential to prevent joint stiffness and muscle weakening.

Next Steps for Hand Injuries 

Recovering from hand surgery requires patience, dedication, and expert guidance. If you’re considering hand surgery or need assistance during your recovery, talk to a hand surgeon to get a personalized treatment plan by scheduling an appointment at Coastal Orthopedics.