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Elevation, Motion, & Use
Elevation of the hand is very important after Dupuytren’s surgery. The hand should be
kept at a level that is higher than your heart in order to cause fluid to drain
from the hand. This is very important to prevent swelling as a swollen hand will be painful,
and it will also become stiff. After the splint is removed at the first postoperative visit, a
range of motion program will be started and light use for activities such as eating,
dressing and personal care. Driving is allowed once you feel strong enough to safely grip the steering wheel.
Bandages
Do not change the bandages or splint after surgery until the first post
operative visit with Dr. Miller. If the palm has been left open, instructions
on how to change the bandage will be given at that time. The bandages must also
be kept dry. Showering should be done with a large plastic bag over the hand
and arm, securely taped just below the shoulder. By keeping the hand fully elevated, it is possible to take a
brief shower without getting the bandages wet.
Pain Medication
After an operation that has been done under a local
anaesthetic, or local anaesthetic with sedation, it is common to experience
numbness and tingling in the hand for eight to ten hours or longer. A prescription for a pain reliever will be
given to you after the surgery and we recommend that you fill the prescription,
although frequently only one or two pills will be necessary. The most important aspect of pain relief
after hand surgery is strict elevation of the hand.
Stitches & Scar Management
Stitches are usually removed ten to fifteen days
after hand surgery. A scar massage program is then begun, using Vitamin E
oil, briskly rubbed into the scar for
five minutes, twice a day. The oil may
be purchased without a prescription, it is also fine to use the oil from a
capsule of Vitamin E. The massage program is continued for at least one month.
A thickened and tender scar will frequently develop four weeks after carpal
tunnel surgery. You will notice pain primarily with direct pressure on the scar
that will slowly resolve over several months.
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