Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
One or more of the tendons that straighten your fingers have been repaired. This information sheet is a guide for the first 4 weeks after surgery. During this time your tendon is very weak and needs to be protected within a splint to reduce the stress placed on the tendon repair. The exercises are to move the healing tendon safely, to reduce the scar getting stuck to the skin (adhesions) and prevent joint stiffness.
If too much stress is placed on the tendon it is at risk of breaking (rupture). It will take at least 8 weeks before your tendon is strong enough to perform certain activities and at least 12 weeks before you can return to heavy activities.
Problems you may encounter
Please contact the therapy department should you suffer any of the following problems:
- If you are unable to lift your finger/s, this may mean your tendon has ruptured.
- Increase in Swelling/Stiffness/Pain.
- Skin irritation/soreness or splint rubbing.
- If your hand or fingers turn blue, feel cold or tingle – check straps are not too tight.
- If the splint feels loose when swelling reduces.
Swelling
Swelling (oedema) is the body’s normal response to injury. It is important to minimise this by raising your hand as much as possible above the level of your heart and completing your exercises. Every hour move your arm, exercising your elbow and shoulder.
Skin Care
- Wash all areas not covered by the splints.
- Avoid wetting unhealed areas or dressings.
- Use moisturiser if your exposed skin becomes dry.
- When bathing/showering, cover you splints in a plastic bag taped to your arm. Keep your arm away from the hot water as this may alter the splint shape.
- If at any time you feel the splint is causing pressure or impairing your circulation, you must contact your therapist immediately.
Splint wear
- Keep your splint on at all times until you are instructed to take it off. This will probably be at 4 weeks following your surgery.
- Don’t take the splint off to bath, dress etc. as the repaired tendon/s may break.
- It will only come off to change the dressings and adjust the splint by the Therapists.
- Avoid direct contact with heat, (e.g. radiators/hairdryers and the bath) as this may alter its shape.
Precautions
- Do not remove your splints for any reason (including when sleeping and bathing).
- Do not use your hand for any activity.
- Do not lift anything heavy with your hand.
- Do not drive or operate machinery. We advise no driving until eight weeks after your surgery.
- Do not participate in any sporting activities.
Exercises
Complete all exercises 5 times every 2 hours.
Lift your fingers off the splint with the other hand and hold for 5 seconds.
Lift your fingers off the splint using your own muscle power and hold for 2 seconds.
Using the other hand support your wrist in extension. Keeping your fingers straight, bend your knuckles as far as you can and hold for 2 seconds.
Using the other hand support your wrist in extension. Keeping your knuckles straight, bend at the finger joints into a hook position and hold for 2 seconds.
Contact details
Hand therapy departments: : (Lines open 8.30-15.30, Monday – Friday). In an emergency, seek medical advice from a GP or local accident or minor injuries unit.
0300 6133396 for Frimley
0300 6140540 then Option 2 Wexham or Option 3 for Heatherwood
Plastic Dressing Clinic - 0300 6153031
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Hand therapy service.
About this information
Service:
Hand therapy
Reference:
UU/020
Approval date:
19 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.