Template only — not medical advice. Always review with a licensed healthcare professional before distributing.
Want to customize this handout for your clinic?
Sign in free to edit, add your clinic branding, and save your own version.
Wrist Surgery Care Instructions and Activity Modifications
Summary
After wrist surgery, taking care of your wrist properly is crucial for a smooth recovery. This guide will walk you through what to expect, how to manage pain and swelling, and when to seek medical help. Follow these steps closely to ensure a safe and successful healing process.
What Is This & Why It Matters
Wrist surgery is often needed to fix fractures, torn ligaments, or damaged cartilage. After the procedure, you'll likely experience pain, swelling, and limited movement. Your wrist may be placed in a cast or brace for support as it heals. It's important to follow the care instructions to prevent complications and promote recovery.
What You Should Do
- Keep your wrist elevated above heart level as much as possible; this helps reduce swelling.
- Apply an ice pack to your wrist for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first three days post-surgery.
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed by your doctor to manage discomfort.
- Begin gentle finger and elbow movements right away to maintain flexibility.
- Attend physical therapy sessions 2-3 times a week starting 1-2 weeks after surgery, following APTA guidelines.
- Wear your cast or brace at all times unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
- Follow up with your doctor for scheduled appointments to monitor healing progress.
- Keep your incision site clean and dry to prevent infection.
What You Should NOT Do
- Do not lift heavy objects or apply pressure on your recovering wrist.
- Avoid getting your cast or brace wet; use a protective cover when bathing.
- Refrain from using lotions or creams on the incision site unless approved by your doctor.
- Do not drive until your doctor gives you the green light.
- Avoid skipping physical therapy sessions as they are vital for regaining strength.
Symptoms: Normal vs Warning Signs
Normal (Don't Worry)
- Mild swelling around the wrist area is common and expected.
- You may feel some stiffness in your fingers due to immobility.
- Slight bruising around the surgical site is typical.
- Feeling tingling sensations in your fingers as they start moving again is normal.
Call Your Doctor If...
- Severe pain that doesn't improve with medication needs immediate attention.
- Numbness or tingling that persists could indicate nerve issues.
- If you notice skin discoloration around the wrist, contact your doctor promptly.
- A fever higher than 101°F is a sign of infection and requires urgent care.
- Any foul-smelling discharge from the incision site signals an infection risk.
- Increased redness or warmth around the surgical area may indicate inflammation.
FAQ
When can I start using my wrist normally again?
Your doctor will give specific instructions based on your healing progress, but full use often resumes after 6-8 weeks.
Is it normal for my fingers to feel stiff?
Yes, stiffness is expected due to limited movement post-surgery. Gentle exercises will help improve flexibility.
How should I manage itchiness under my cast?
It's best not to insert objects into the cast. Instead, gently tapping on it might provide relief.
Can I shower with my cast on?
Use a waterproof cover over your cast when showering to keep it dry.
What should I do if my cast feels too tight?
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience increased tightness or discomfort in the cast.
How long will physical therapy last?
Physical therapy typically lasts 6-8 weeks but can vary depending on individual progress.