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After surgery

After Trigger Finger Release

What to do in the first days and weeks after your trigger finger surgery to recover smoothly.

Bones of the hand, palmar view
Bones of the hand (palmar view). The A1 pulley sits at the base of the finger. Source: Wikimedia Commons (Gray's Anatomy, public domain).

What was done

The tight pulley at the base of the finger (the A1 pulley) was opened so that the tendon can glide freely. You have a small incision in the palm covered with a soft dressing.

The first 5 days

  • Keep the dressing on, clean, and dry.
  • Keep the hand elevated above the level of your heart as much as possible to reduce swelling.
  • Move the finger right away. Make a gentle fist and open the hand fully, many times a day. Full motion from day one is the most important thing you can do — it prevents stiffness and scar tightness.
  • You may use the hand for light daily tasks. No gripping or lifting yet.
  • No lifting more than 5 pounds with the surgical hand.

Day 5: dressing comes off

  • Remove the dressing 5 days after surgery. You can shower and wash the incision with soap and water. Pat it dry.
  • Cover with a simple adhesive bandage for a few more days, or leave it open once the skin is dry and closed.
  • No soaking (no baths, pools, hot tubs) for 2 weeks.

Pain and swelling

  • Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) is enough for most patients.
  • Ice over the dressing (20 on, 20 off) helps for the first 2 to 3 days.
  • The palm will feel tender at the incision for a few weeks; this is normal and fades.
  • The triggering or catching should be gone immediately after surgery.

Activity

  • Driving: once you can make a full fist and open the hand comfortably (usually 3 to 5 days).
  • Light office work: right away, within comfort.
  • Heavier work with the hand: 3 to 4 weeks.
  • Therapy: most patients do not need it. If the finger is stiff at follow-up, we will arrange it.

Follow-up

Come to the office 10 to 14 days after surgery for a wound check and suture removal. A second visit at 6 weeks checks final motion and healing.

Call the office right away if
  • You have a fever over 101°F
  • The incision is draining pus, is spreading red, or feels very warm
  • Pain is worsening instead of improving after the first few days
  • The finger will not bend or straighten at all

Related

About trigger finger

Questions?

Call your office location for non-urgent questions:

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