Trigger Finger Release Surgery - Post Surgery Care Advice

NUH occupational therapist shares post trigger finger release surgery care advice and ways to reduce swelling, improve flexibility with scar massage, etc.

Tips to facilitate your recovery after surgery:
1) Use your hand and affected finger to do light tasks like combing, holding cutleries, wearing clothes, etc. as keeping your hand active will help reduce swelling and prevent stiffness

2) Remember to keep your bandaged hand clean and dry at all times; cover it with plastic bag secured with tape during showering.

3) For 2 to 3 days after surgery, whenever you are seated, elevate your hand above your heart to reduce swelling.

4) Don’t be afraid to move your affected finger after surgery! Start doing the finger exercises you learn from your therapist right away.

5) Scar tissue may limit your motion, function or is painful with touch. After your stitches have been removed, start doing the scar massage your therapist has taught you.

6) Seek medical attention immediately if you develop the following after the surgery:

- Fever of 38 degrees Celsius or more
- New or different coloured discharge
- Moderate to extreme pain at surgical wound
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Light-headedness
- Dizziness

00:00 - Introduction
00:19 - About the wound
00:40 - Type of light daily activities allowed
00:57 - Activities to avoid while wound heals
01:33 - Return to work
01:52 - Wound care
02:10 - Showering tips
02:23 - Removal of stitches
02:49 - Management of pain and swelling
03:19 - Finger exercise: Isolated tendon gliding exercise
03:58 - Finger exercise: Hook then full fist
04:20 - Scar massage & stretching
05:32 - Post-surgery symptoms to look out for

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About National University Hospital (NUH) (Singapore):
NUH is Singapore's major tertiary hospital and referral centre with over 50 medical, surgical and dental specialties. It is the only public hospital in Singapore to offer a comprehensive suite of specialist care for adults, women and children as well as paediatric kidney and liver transplant programme, in addition to kidney, liver and pancreas transplantations for adults.