Recovering from hand surgery requires temporary adjustments to daily routines, especially regarding clothing choices. The surgical site is often protected by bulky dressings, splints, or casts, which limit range of motion and fine motor control. Selecting the right garments ensures comfort, protects healing tissues, and simplifies the challenging task of dressing. This guidance provides practical strategies for clothing selection and techniques during the recovery period.
Key Considerations for Upper Body Clothing
The primary challenge post-surgery is maneuvering clothing over the immobilized hand and forearm. Tops featuring full-length front openings, such as button-down shirts or jackets with sturdy zippers, allow the garment to be placed around the body rather than pulled over the head. This design minimizes the need to bend or manipulate the wrist and elbow, reducing strain on the surgical site. Garments with wide necklines or extremely loose sleeves can also function as alternatives to full front openings.
Upsizing the garment, particularly on the operated side, is recommended to accommodate swelling and the bulk of the cast or splint. A shirt one or two sizes larger prevents the fabric from rubbing against the skin near the surgical incision, which could cause irritation. Loose-fitting material also allows for air circulation around the injured limb, contributing to comfort. The additional fabric provides slack for easier one-handed manipulation during dressing.
The choice of fabric influences comfort and ease of wear during recovery. Soft, lightweight materials like cotton or jersey blends are preferable because they minimize skin irritation, especially where cast edges meet the skin. Layering garments, such as wearing a t-shirt under a zip-front hoodie, provides adjustable warmth. This approach allows the patient to manage body temperature easily without requiring the full removal of a difficult garment.
Standard overhead or back-closure bras are difficult to manage with limited hand function. Opting for front-closure bras, which utilize hooks or zippers at the center of the chest, simplifies the process of getting dressed. Alternatively, soft, pullover sports bras or camisoles that stretch easily can be managed with one hand. Some individuals may temporarily forgo traditional undergarments in favor of layering loose tops for maximum ease.
Practical Dressing and Undressing Techniques
The overarching principle for safe dressing is to always put clothes on the operated limb first and take them off the unoperated limb first. When dressing, the injured hand and its protective cast are guided gently into the sleeve before the uninjured hand is inserted. This technique ensures the vulnerable side is manipulated the least amount possible, reducing the risk of accidental jarring. Conversely, taking the sleeve off the healthy arm first provides full mobility to assist in carefully removing the garment from the affected side.
Utilizing gravity and stable surfaces aids significantly in the dressing process when dexterity is limited. For sleeves, drape the garment over a flat surface, such as a bed or table, and gently push the casted arm through the opening. When managing pants or skirts, sitting down allows the individual to use the weight of the garment and their uninjured hand to pull the clothing up. This method transforms a two-handed task requiring fine motor control into a more manageable gross motor action.
While front-opening shirts are recommended, managing small fasteners like buttons or delicate zippers can still be challenging. Simple adaptive tools, such as button hooks or zipper pulls, can be helpful in restoring independence in dressing. These tools extend the reach and provide a larger, manageable grip surface, allowing the uninjured hand to complete tasks. Practicing with these tools before surgery can significantly reduce frustration during recovery.
Managing bulkier outerwear, like coats or heavy jackets, requires modification. Instead of attempting to fully put on a jacket while standing, it is easier to sit down and use the chair back to assist in guiding the garment over the shoulders. For short trips, simply draping the coat over the shoulders like a cape provides warmth without requiring the manipulation of putting the arms fully into the sleeves. This approach avoids twisting the torso or straining the shoulder on the operated side.
Lower Body Clothing and Safe Footwear
Lower body clothing should prioritize simple closures to accommodate one-handed dressing. Elastic waistbands or drawstring pants are recommended as they require minimal fine motor dexterity compared to buttons or traditional zippers. Avoiding garments that require belts or complicated fasteners reduces strain and frustration. Loose-fitting trousers or soft joggers are more comfortable and easier to pull up and down than tight jeans.
Footwear selection is important for safety, as a fall could result in further injury. Slip-on shoes, loafers, or footwear secured with large Velcro straps eliminate the need for complex lacing, which is difficult with a restricted hand. The soles of all footwear should feature a non-slip tread to minimize the risk of slipping, especially on smooth surfaces. Proper footwear ensures stability, allowing the patient to maintain balance while focusing attention on the operated limb.
Adapting Clothing for Sleep and Hygiene
Sleepwear should prevent constriction and manage temperature regulation around the cast. Loose-fitting, short-sleeved tops or tank tops are preferable to long sleeves, which can bunch up and cause pressure points against the cast material. Maintaining a comfortable temperature is important because casts can cause the covered skin to become warm and itchy during the night. The minimal design of simple nightwear also makes it easier to manage when getting in and out of bed one-handed.
During bathing or showering, maintaining modesty and ease of movement is simplified by using oversized robes or zip-up towels that can be quickly secured with one hand. These temporary garments are easier to manage than standard bath towels, especially when the operated hand must be elevated and kept dry. Additionally, all jewelry, including rings and watches, must be removed before surgery and avoided throughout the initial recovery phase. Swelling is a common post-operative response, and wearing restrictive accessories can quickly lead to painful constriction.