Four Tips For Recovering Following An Orthopedic Hand Surgery
by Julia Gregory
Hand surgery is one of the most common types of orthopedic surgery — surgery that generally involves the skeletal and muscular systems. Hand surgery can occur due to trauma or medical issues, such as an attempt to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. But because the use of your hands is often so essential to the way that you live, you may want to take some steps to prepare.
Invest in Audio-Based Technology
For those who frequently use the computer or watch TV, voice-activated systems can provide some welcome relief. There are many voice-activated TV and computer products that will allow you to use these devices without having to physically handle controllers or keyboards. Smartphones also come with some excellent voice-recognition technologies, which can be used to control "smart" areas of your home — such as smart light bulbs.
Make Interior Doors Easier to Open and Close
There are very few ways to make your exterior doors easier to open and close without risking your security. Interior doors, on the other hand, often don't need to be locked. If you're recovering from a hand surgery, you may want to temporarily remove the locking mechanism on your interior doors and instead replace them with something easier to handle. This will make the process of moving from room to room more comfortable.
Get Food That's Easy to Eat
Just as with oral surgery, hand surgery may disrupt your ability to eat. Before your surgery, stock up on things that may be easier to consume. Large handheld items may actually be the easiest type of food, as they will not require you to hold a fork or a knife.
Find the Right Clothing
Your hand or hands will be extremely tender after surgery. One of the complications is that this makes it very difficult to put on clothes. Loose fitting clothes that don't require a lot of fasteners is generally best — especially in the first few days of recovery. Look for clothing that you can either put on entirely one-handed or simply slip yourself into.
The length of recovery following a hand surgery will be determined by the surgery itself, the age of the patient, and the patient's general health. Because of this, full recovery could take anywhere from weeks to months. Patients should discuss their needs in advance with their orthopedic surgeon, so that they have a better idea of the recovery process.
For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Sturdy Memorial Hospital.
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About Me
The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.