Control of swelling


Some swelling is inevitable after hand surgery or injury to the hand.  

Elevation of the hand is very important in the early days after surgery.  

During this time the hand should be kept at a level that is higher than your heart.

This means when seated or lying that you rest your hand on a pillow.

When walking around wear a sling. This allows fluid to drain from the hand.   
 
A swollen hand will be more painful, and a swollen hand will also predisposes
to significant finger and wrist stiffness.

Hence prevention of swelling is better than trying to treat swelling.  

It is important to make a full fist and fully straighten your fingers ten times an hour
after any hand surgery or injury that does not involve a tendon repair or some fractures.

This motion will pump the fluid out of the fingers and thereby prevent swelling.

Apply ice directly over the hand bandage for 20 minutes every 2 hours while you are
awake  until your follow up appointment or as long as there is pain and swelling.  
Last Updated on Thursday, 19 May 2011 20:52