Trigger finger surgery alleviates pain, stiffness, and locking from stenosing tenosynovitis, a condition where a tendon sheath in the finger or thumb becomes inflamed. The surgery is quick, often under 20 minutes, but healing is a gradual journey that varies for each individual.
Immediate Post-Surgery Healing
The initial phase of healing, spanning the first few days to a couple of weeks, involves managing discomfort and beginning gentle movements. Patients often experience soreness, swelling, and bruising in the operated hand and finger. Applying ice packs and keeping the hand elevated above the heart helps reduce swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers are generally sufficient for post-operative pain.
A dressing will be applied, and it is important to keep the incision site clean and dry. Patients are usually advised to avoid getting the hand wet until cleared by their doctor, often by covering the bandage with plastic during showers. Stitches, if present, are typically removed one to two weeks after surgery; dissolvable stitches disappear on their own within about three weeks.
Patients should limit use of the operated hand and avoid lifting objects heavier than 1 to 2 pounds or engaging in repetitive finger movements like extensive typing for one to two weeks. While some movement may be possible immediately, it should be gentle. Numbness or tingling near the incision is also a possibility, usually improving within a few days but potentially taking several months to fully resolve.
Progressive Recovery and Rehabilitation
Healing continues beyond the initial weeks, focusing on restoring full mobility and strength, which can take several months. Around two to four weeks post-surgery, patients can gradually increase use of the operated hand for daily activities, balancing activity with rest to avoid discomfort. Physical or occupational therapy often begins during this time.
A physical therapist typically creates a personalized exercise program aimed at improving hand and finger range of motion, strength, and flexibility. Scar tissue management techniques, such as massage and mobilization, may also be introduced to prevent restrictive scar tissue formation.
From five to eight weeks and beyond, rehabilitation intensifies with more advanced strengthening exercises. The goal is to build endurance in hand muscles and ensure a return to full functionality. Functional exercises mimicking daily tasks like gripping, pinching, and fine motor skills are incorporated to help patients regain practical hand use. While significant improvement may be noticed sooner, it can take up to six months for all swelling and stiffness to completely subside and for the hand to feel entirely normal. Full strength and flexibility require consistent effort in therapy and adherence to the exercise regimen.
Factors Influencing Your Healing Timeline
Several individual factors influence how long it takes to fully recover. Age plays a role, with younger individuals often healing quicker than older adults. Overall health conditions also impact recovery; for instance, individuals with diabetes may experience delayed wound healing and a higher risk for stiffness, prolonging recovery.
Adherence to post-operative instructions is another factor. Following surgeon’s guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and prescribed physical therapy exercises can improve healing and potentially shorten recovery. Non-adherence can lead to complications or a longer, less effective recovery. The severity and duration of the trigger finger condition before surgery also influence the timeline; a long-standing or more severe case might require a more extended recovery. If multiple fingers were affected and operated on, overall recovery may be longer.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Patients should monitor their recovery and recognize signs that warrant contacting a medical professional. If pain intensifies or does not improve with medication, it could indicate a potential issue. Signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus draining from the incision site, necessitate immediate medical attention. A fever also suggests a possible infection.
Other concerning symptoms include red streaks leading away from the incision, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin. If the incision opens or stitches become loose, medical advice should be sought. Any changes in hand or finger color or temperature, such as coolness or paleness, along with new or worsening numbness or tingling, should be reported to the doctor. A persistent inability to move the fingers or a failure to regain expected mobility also indicates a need for medical evaluation.