From simple activities, such as opening the door, to the most extreme ones, like participating in sports, the hand can perform numerous essential and complex functions. Any injury to its underlying parts can interfere with your daily activities. Hence, getting a proper medical evaluation before any form of treatment like surgery is necessary to minimize the short- and long-term effects on the hand.

Hand Injury Causes

Due to the hand’s intricate design, injuries may damage its anatomic structure and lead to pain, swelling, and bruising. But when you delay a medical evaluation, it can lead to more severe damage and reduce your mobility and function. Below are some of the reasons to seek medical attention:

• Lacerations
• Fractures and dislocations
• Infections
• Overuse

Before Hand Surgery

Patients who experience pain, swelling, or bruising must undergo several steps before they can proceed with a hand surgery. Following some of these protocols can accurately assess whether or not they are potential candidates for the procedure.

Medical Assessment

Your specialist will request a medical evaluation that usually comprises of a medical history and physical examination. Additional laboratory tests can also be required, depending on your medical condition. Here, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your fingers and hands.

Medications

Depending on your medical condition, your doctor may instruct you to stop certain medications several days or weeks before your surgery because some medications and supplements may interfere with your operation and recovery.

Fluoroscopic Imaging

Your doctor may also instruct you to undergo an X-ray or other advanced imaging tests, such as fluoroscopic imaging. Through this imaging test, your doctor can see your real-time hand movements and determine the source and extent of your injury.

After Hand Surgery

Recovery from a hand surgery significantly depends on the type of surgery that took place and your overall health. Your doctor may place some restrictions that could limit your activities and work while you recover. Often, your hand may be immobilized for a particular length of time to enhance your recovery.

After your surgery, your fingers and hands may feel sore and be swollen for several days. At first, it would be challenging to move your fingers. But after around six weeks, they will heal completely, and you will be able to move them with ease. Additionally, you may also feel tingling or numbness near the incision that will take a few months to go away.

Correct medication can alleviate the pain and discomfort that you may experience after the surgery. Painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or antibiotics may be prescribed to you by your doctor based on your level of pain and the type of hand surgery that took place.

Additionally, physical therapy can significantly help you further enhance and speed up your recovery. It can increase the strength and function of your hand and allow you to do your normal activities as soon as possible.

Hand Surgery Services in the Chicago North-West Suburbs

Having pain in your hand or wrist may interfere with your daily activities. It is often due to several factors such as injury, trauma, or overuse. But when conventional treatment methods, such as pain medication and home remedies, are no longer useful, going for a hand surgery may be the best option. It can minimize pain and improve your mobility and function. Before you can proceed with hand surgery, it’s always important to follow your doctor’s instructions and submit necessary information for your assessment.

You can visit us at Michele Y. Yoon, MD, if you have any questions or concerns about your hand. Our staff and specialists will be more than happy to serve you. You may call us at (847) 957-4183 or request an appointment online.