TRIGGER FINGER POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Printable Trigger Finger Information and Instructions click HERE
WOUND CARE
COMFORT AND MOBILIZATION
You can do most activities that do not hurt with some exceptions. Avoid or limit repetitive activities like typing for about a week to keep from creating swelling that will prolong discomfort. Limit yourself to lifting with the operative hand for a few days or so until it becomes more comfortable. Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but a reasonable guideline is limit yourself to about 1-2 pounds (.50-1kg with your operative hand.
Most people do not need hand physiotherapy. If you are having prolonged discomfort,
persistent swelling, or trouble getting your fingers to move fully I can refer you to a hand therapist.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Contact my office, your GP, or go to the emergency room if:
Contact our office at (778 ) 547-6091 during business hours. After hours and weekends please go to the emergency department at SMH.
WOUND CARE
- DO NOT remove dressing for the first 72 hours. REMOVE ON:________
- Remove dressing after 72 hours. Replace with clean dry dressing.
- It is OK to shower and get wet after 72 hours, but DO NOT soak until sutures are removed at your follow-up visit.
- Gentle soap and water are good skin cleansers. Please DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol to clean the wound. Cover with small bandaid until sutures removed.
- Do not use creams, ointments or Polysporin for 3 weeks
COMFORT AND MOBILIZATION
- Keep extremity elevated above the level of the heart for 3-4 days.
- Rest the extremity on pillows and while sleeping.
- Apply icepack to the palm side of your wrist (20 minutes at a time) for the first few days to reduce swelling.
- DO NOT use a sling.
- Keep your fingers moving. Do the following 3-4 times per day, especially the first few days to prevent internal scarring from becoming a problem.
- Make a fist with your fingers and completely straighten them. Repeat 10 times.
- Move your thumb across your hand towards your pinky finger and fully straighten. Repeat 10 times.
You can do most activities that do not hurt with some exceptions. Avoid or limit repetitive activities like typing for about a week to keep from creating swelling that will prolong discomfort. Limit yourself to lifting with the operative hand for a few days or so until it becomes more comfortable. Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but a reasonable guideline is limit yourself to about 1-2 pounds (.50-1kg with your operative hand.
Most people do not need hand physiotherapy. If you are having prolonged discomfort,
persistent swelling, or trouble getting your fingers to move fully I can refer you to a hand therapist.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
- Take Advil, Tylenol, or Tylenol #3's as tolerated for extra pain control (do not combine Tylenol and Tylenol #3's at the same time)
Contact my office, your GP, or go to the emergency room if:
- You have unbearable pain, not controlled with the above methods.
- You have ongoing drainage after 48 hours.
- You have increased swelling and redness tracking up the extremity.
- You develop a fever over 38.3 C in the first few days after surgery.
- New numbness/tingling, worsening numbness/tingling, increasing pain, stiffness of fingers, progressive redness around the wound.
Contact our office at (778 ) 547-6091 during business hours. After hours and weekends please go to the emergency department at SMH.