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Recovery

You will be given a Plaster Room form and the number of the Plaster Room to book an appointment 10-14 days post op. This will be with Plaster Room to do a dressing change and to change the cast to a full plaster.

At 4 weeks you will see the Plaster Room again to remove the cast, and you will see a hand therapist immediately after this. The hand therapist will provide you with an appropriate splint, start exercises and continue to see you for your rehabilitation.

It is important for you to keep your arm elevated for at least 48 hours after the operation to prevent excessive swelling. Do not let your arm dangle by your side whilst you are walking.

Try to do these exercises two hourly:

  1. Bend and straighten fingers gently (10 times).
  2. Bend and straighten tip of thumb, if able (10 times).
  3. Bend and straighten elbow (10 times).
  4. Lift arm up above the head and down again (10 times).

Recovery times vary, with some people achieving full function by 3 months, while others can still have difficulty with heavy tasks at 6 months after surgery.

Pain

After the surgery, your hand will be painful. Your surgeon will have prescribed some pain medication for you. Take your pain medication as advised by your surgeon.

When to seek help

You should seek advice if your pain increases or your fingers become more swollen.
Please report any signs of infection quickly, these include:

  • Increase in pain not related to exercise
  • Increased swelling
  • Pain in the arm
  • ‘Flu’ type symptoms combined with any of the above

If you need help within the first 24 hours after your surgery, contact the day surgery unit where you had your surgery:

Heatherwood Hospital

Wexham Park Hospital   

Frimley Park Hospital 0300 6134228 (8am – 6pm)

For advice about your wound

Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals - contact the dressings clinic on:
Tel. 0300 6153031 (8am -3:30pm)

Frimley Park Hospital
Tel. 0300 6139396 (8am -4pm)
 

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Hand therapy service.

About this information

Service:
Hand therapy

Reference:
T/030

Approval date:
1 August 2025

Review date:
1 August 2028

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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.