Hand Surgery After an Injury: What to Expect

Most of us use our hands a lot for all sorts of activities, and that means when we injure them, we can experience a lot more than physical discomfort. Even a seemingly minor injury can have a major impact on our activities and our quality of life.

Anatomically, your hands are extremely complex, supporting a wide range of movements. Not surprisingly, hand injuries can be complex, too, requiring extensive skills and an in-depth knowledge of state-of-the-art surgical techniques to repair them and restore normal function.

As a board-certified hand surgeon, Rishi Jindal, MD, has significant experience in complex hand surgeries, helping patients at Rejuvenate Plastic Surgery recover from their injuries while restoring optimal hand function. Here, learn what you can expect if hand surgery is in your future.

Hand injuries: When surgery is the best choice

Because we use our hands so much, hand injuries are common, ranging from mild injuries like muscle strains or bruising to more severe injuries involving tendons, muscles, or nerves. While less complex injuries can be treated with physical therapy and lifestyle modifications, sometimes combined with oral medicines or injections, more complex or severe injuries require surgery.

Hands contain muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and a network of blood vessels and nerves. Since the hands are relatively compact, it’s not uncommon for injuries to involve multiple structures and to require more extensive surgery not only to repair damaged tissue, but to restore function and sensation.

Dr. Jindal is board-certified in hand surgery, with years of training focused solely on hand reconstruction. Before recommending any treatment, he performs a thorough assessment of your hand to ensure your surgery is tailored for your hand’s unique anatomy, especially as it pertains to function.

Before and after your surgery

As noted, evaluation and assessment are the first steps in treating any hand injury. In addition to a visual and hands-on examination, Dr. Jindal uses state-of-the-art imaging to assess the full extent of your injury and map out your surgery and your recovery plan.

During this initial visit, we ask about how your injury happened and how you use your hands, as well. We also provide complete instructions to help you get ready for your surgery, including instructions on medication use, fasting, and postoperative planning to help your recovery go more smoothly.

After surgery

After surgery, it’s normal to experience some pain and swelling in your hand and sometimes even in your lower arm. Over-the-counter medicine can help, along with prescription medicine when needed. 

We apply a dressing after surgery to protect the area and keep it clean. Before you’re discharged, we provide you with instructions on caring for the area while keeping the dressing clean and dry to prevent infections. Using a sling as directed helps protect your hand while providing support that can help reduce swelling.

Healing and recovery: Getting back to daily life

While your hand heals, it’s critically important to follow instructions regarding using your hand and your arm. Remember: Returning to your usual activities takes time and patience — often as many as 2-4 months before you can resume regular activities, and sometimes longer.

During healing, you work with a physical therapist to prevent stiffness in your hand and to support healing. Your therapist provides guided exercises and other therapeutic activities to restore strength and function gradually, promoting healing while avoiding strain that could delay healing.

Your therapy plan is tailored not only to your injury and surgery, but to your lifestyle, too. Activities focus on helping you regain coordination and strength necessary for your daily activities, as well as occupational demands. Staying consistent with your recovery plan is important for achieving the best possible overall outcome.

Don’t ignore a hand injury

Hand injuries don’t always require surgery, but they should always be medically evaluated. Even minor injuries can turn into major problems without prompt medical attention.

If you have a hand injury, we can help. To schedule an evaluation and get started on your own recovery, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Jindal and the team at Rejuvenate Plastic Surgery in San Diego, California, today.