What are the dangers of using the hand too much after surgery
2 April 2014 - 7:08pm
Dear Dr Bland I had surgery, performed by Dr Rine, on my left hand, 11 days ago. I have been driving a little bit, and I have also lifted up my three month old grandson a few times - he weighs about 17lbs, and I am just wondering if this could have caused any damage (although I have tried to take his weight with mainly my right hand). In fact I am not experiencing any pain or problems but wondering if this kind of movement could precipitate any problems. How is the ligament's healing process affected in cases where too much pressure is put on the affected hand? Thank you Elaine
I doubt if that sort of activity will cause problems if it doesn't immediately cause pain, at least at 10 days post-op. I would be a bit wary of driving. What worries me is not the ordinary activity of driving but what happens if, in an emergency, you suddenly have to make a violent manoever with the steering wheel, get a sudden twinge of pain in the hand and as a result reflexively let go - leading to an accident that might otherwise have been avoided. I would therefore generally advise staing off the road for 10-14 days. JB (I'll move this to the Canterbury patients forum in a day or two)