Maintaining wrist health after surgery is important. It can make all the difference in the treatment outcome and help avoid long-term complications. Proper recovery ensures you regain full use of your hand and wrist.
This article talks about how you can maintain wrist health following surgery. We also talk about the importance of wrist health and the prevention of common wrist issues.
Why Wrist Health is Important
The wrist is a complex joint that requires care and attention. From typing on a computer to lifting groceries, we use our wrists constantly. Healthy wrists enable us to perform these tasks without pain or difficulty. After surgery, maintaining wrist health ensures that you regain full function and avoid complications.
Common Reasons for Needing Wrist Surgery
Although it is not a weight-bearing joint, we use our wrists heavily for daily activities. It makes the wrist vulnerable to trauma and joint issues.
Some of the wrist conditions that may require surgery are the following:
Fractures
Wrist fractures, such as a broken radius or ulna, often require surgical intervention to realign the bones and promote proper healing.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition can lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and may require surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Arthritis
Severe arthritis in the wrist joint can cause pain and limited mobility, often necessitating surgical options like wrist fusion or joint replacement.
Tendon Injuries
Damage to the tendons in the wrist, such as tears or overuse injuries, may require surgery to repair the affected tissues.
Ligament Tears
Injuries to wrist ligaments, like a torn scapholunate ligament, may need surgical repair to restore stability and function to the wrist.
Ganglion Cysts
Large or painful ganglion cysts that do not respond to conservative treatments may need to be surgically removed.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Chronic overuse conditions like De Quervain’s tenosynovitis may require surgery if conservative treatments are ineffective.
Wrist Instability
Chronic instability of the wrist joint due to ligament damage or other factors may require surgical reconstruction for improved function.
Recovery After Wrist Surgery
Recovery is the first step toward regaining full wrist function. Keep in mind the following:
- Follow Your Orthopedic Surgeon’s Instructions: Your hand and wrist surgeon will give you specific guidelines to follow. The instructions will help you achieve a successful recovery and rehabilitation.
- Rest and Elevate: Keep your wrist elevated and avoid activities that strain it in the days following surgery. Doing this helps reduce swelling, pain, and injuries.
- Pain Management: Use doctor-prescribed medications as directed. Check with your doctor before using any over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Follow your hand surgeon’s advice on wound care to prevent infection.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is an important phase in the recovery process. It involves exercises and therapies that help restore strength and mobility.
- Physical Therapy: Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend physical therapy. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises designed to strengthen your wrist and improve flexibility.
- Use of Supports: Wrist braces or supports can help stabilize your wrist during the healing process. Make sure to use them as recommended.
Preventing Wrist Problems
Preventing further injury is as important as recovery and rehabilitation. Here is how you can protect your wrists moving forward:
Ergonomic Adjustments
Make ergonomic adjustments to your workspace. Explore ergonomic tools such as a vertical mouse and a special keyboard to minimize wrist strain.
Regular Stretching
Incorporate wrist stretches into your daily routine. Simple stretches are important for keeping your wrists flexible and lowering the risk of injury.
Strengthening Exercises
Continue with wrist-strengthening exercises even after you’ve recovered. This will help maintain wrist health and prevent future problems.
Avoid Repetitive Strain
Take breaks if you’re doing repetitive tasks. Frequent breaks can prevent overuse injuries.
Maintaining wrist health after surgery is possible with the right approach. By following your hand surgeon’s instructions, you can ensure that your wrist heals properly and stays healthy in the long run. If you need specialized care, search online for a wrist surgeon near you in Miami Lakes or Plantation.
Wrist Surgeon Near Me in Miami Lakes and Plantation, FL
Your wrist health is important to us at The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center. Board-certified and fellowship-trained hand surgeon Dr. Tosca Kinchelow leads our team of hand experts.
Dr. Kinchelow is trained in the advanced procedures that can relieve pain and restore hand function. She has a caring team of professionals behind her ready to serve your needs.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kinchelow, call our office today at (954) 635-5300 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you in our clinic.
