When suffering from painful hand conditions such as carpal tunnel or trigger finger, sometimes the only way to find relief is to undergo hand surgery. This can put a pause in your daily life. But you need to be patient and make sure that you are healing properly and completely.
Some hand surgeries performed by a Chandler hand doctor can take 6 weeks to heal while others can take up to 3 months if not longer. It all depends on the type of surgery you are having and the severity of your hand condition.
Trigger Finger Surgery
Trigger finger surgery is a common surgery that takes about 6 weeks to heal. Out of those 6 weeks and sometimes even after that time period, expect to attend at least 2 weeks of physical therapy.
After 2 weeks from the surgery date, you will be able to get strength back in your finger, but you still need to expect it will take the full 6 weeks for recovery.
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger is when your finger gets stuck in a bent position and snaps straight back. This causes finger stiffness, soreness, and popping and clicking when pointing the finger straight forward.
Tendon Repair surgery
Tendon repair surgery can take up to 3 months for recovery. This surgery is needed to repair detached tendons. An incision in the hand, wrist, and finger will be needed and can cause a bruised and swollen hand after surgery.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Carpal tunnel surgery is a more extreme surgery, taking months to recover from. In fact, it could take a full year to completely heal from carpal tunnel surgery. If you are suffering from painful carpal tunnel and looking to regain strength and function in your hand, surgery is the answer.
It all depends on the severity of the surgery. Most patients do see their hand strength return after 2 to 3 months. And most patients start feeling relief just a couple of weeks after surgery, with numbness and pain vanishing after 3 months.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Follow all aftercare instructions and be prepared by planning plenty of rest time. Each surgery is different, so make sure to know your limits. Always wear needed bandages and splints until your doctor removes them.
If your doctor suggests rehab or physical therapy, make sure to attend needed sessions and always do the exercises suggested by your doctor.
