The period immediately following hand surgery requires careful attention to daily tasks, including getting dressed. Choosing the right clothing is a safety measure designed to protect the surgical site, maintain the integrity of any splint or cast, and minimize the risk of accidental injury or excessive movement. Thoughtful selection of garments streamlines the recovery process, ensures proper hygiene, and promotes independence while the hand heals.
Selecting Upper Body Clothing for Ease and Safety
The primary challenge after hand surgery is accommodating a potentially bulky cast or splint and navigating the process of dressing with limited use of the affected hand. Tops should be oversized and loose-fitting, ideally a size or two larger than usual, to allow the sleeve to slide easily over any post-operative dressing without snagging or friction. Excessive pressure or force against the surgical site can cause pain and compromise the healing tissues beneath the dressing.
Front-fastening garments are highly recommended because they eliminate the difficult maneuver of pulling clothing over the head. Large button-down shirts, blouses with snaps, or tops with magnetic closures are excellent choices, as they require minimal dexterity from the unaffected hand to secure. When dressing, always insert the injured arm into its sleeve first. Then, use the unaffected hand to pull the garment around the back and place the second arm into the remaining sleeve. This method minimizes manipulation of the affected limb. When undressing, reverse this sequence by removing the garment from the unaffected side first.
Lower Body Dressing and Footwear Safety
Dressing the lower body with a compromised hand presents difficulties related to balance, bending, and manipulating small fasteners. Opting for trousers, shorts, or skirts with elastic waistbands eliminates the need to struggle with buttons, zippers, or hooks, which require fine motor control that may be temporarily unavailable. Loose-fitting styles, such as sweatpants or pull-on knit pants, are preferred because they can be easily pulled up using the unaffected hand without excessive bending, which could strain the recovering hand or compromise balance.
Footwear selection is directly linked to fall prevention, a significant safety concern when balance is altered due to limited hand use. Shoes must be easy to put on and take off without requiring the use of hands for tying laces or fastening straps. Slip-on shoes, loafers, or footwear with simple Velcro closures are ideal options. This choice reduces the risk of a fall that could result in a secondary injury to the body, including the operated hand.
Garments and Accessories to Avoid
Certain clothing features and accessories should be avoided as they can pose a risk to the surgical site or interfere with recovery. Tops with tight cuffs or sleeves, such as fitted t-shirts or jackets, should be bypassed because they can restrict circulation or catch on the cast or splint, potentially disrupting the dressing. Items that are difficult to manage, including small buttons, hooks, or delicate zippers, can cause frustration and lead to accidental forceful movements of the affected hand.
Accessories worn on the recovering limb must be removed before surgery. Rings, watches, and bracelets can become problematic if post-operative swelling occurs, potentially leading to a tourniquet effect that restricts blood flow and impedes healing. These items can also interfere with the proper fit of the cast or splint. They should be stored away until the surgeon advises it is safe to wear them again, ensuring unimpeded monitoring of circulation and sensation.