Keep your hand elevated to the level of your heart until pain and swelling have subsided. Usually this takes at least 72 hours. Keep your cast, splint, or dressing clean and dry. Cover your dressing with a plastic bag when bathing.
Check the color of your fingers periodically during the first 48 hours. If there is unusual coloration in the exposed areas beyond the dressing, please notify the office. Some bruising normally occurs after surgery.
You may have been given a nerve block, which should help prevent discomfort. Your fingers may have some numbness for up to 24 hours. Check your hand for prolonged numbness. If you have numbness, which is worsening, please call the office.
If you have had a tendon repair, nerve repair, or a fracture treated, do not move your fingers in the dressing unless specifically instructed to do so by your physician.
You should move the joints above the dressings (usually at the elbow and shoulder) through a complete range of motion each day.
- Raise your hand overhead several times a day.
- Bend and straighten your elbow several times a day.
- Ambulate often.
You may have been given a prescription for pain medication. Please consult with your pharmacist regarding side effects of the medication, or potential interactions with other medications that you may be taking. Postoperative pain is common, but should be controlled by the prescriptions given to you. When possible, use an NSAID (Advil or Aleve) to limit the need for stronger analgesic medication.
PAIN MEDICATION CANNOT BE REFILLED AFTER 3 PM ON WEEKDAYS OR ON THE WEEKENDS.
You should not drive while taking narcotic pain medication, or while wearing a splint or cast.
If you believe your cast/splint has become too tight, please call the office for additional instructions.
To limit your risk for deep venous thrombosis, we recommend that you drink plenty of liquids, and ambulate as soon as possible after surgery. You may have a prescription for therapy. Therapy may start before your next office appointment. Schedule and attend therapy as directed by the doctor.
To schedule therapy in our office call 404-355-0069. If you have other problems or questions, please call the number shown above.
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