From the Guidelines
Hand swelling after shoulder surgery is not directly addressed in the provided evidence, but it can be inferred that lymphedema, a condition characterized by arm, breast, or chest wall swelling, may occur after surgery and/or radiation, with an estimated incidence of over 40% among breast cancer survivors 1.
To manage hand swelling after shoulder surgery, it is essential to consider the potential disruption of normal lymphatic drainage patterns and blood flow in the arm. Although the provided evidence focuses on breast cancer survivors, some general principles can be applied.
- Elevating the arm above heart level when possible can help reduce swelling.
- Applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 48-72 hours may also be beneficial.
- Gentle finger and hand exercises, such as making a fist and then straightening the fingers several times per hour, can help maintain range of motion and reduce stiffness.
- Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours with food) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours, not exceeding 4000mg daily) can help reduce inflammation and discomfort 1.
- Wearing a compression glove may also help reduce swelling, although this is not directly mentioned in the provided evidence.
It is crucial to note that the provided evidence emphasizes the importance of maintaining a normal weight, as obesity is a risk factor for lymphedema 1. Additionally, supervised, slowly progressive resistance training may be safe and effective for reducing the likelihood of arm swelling among individuals at high risk for lymphedema 1.
- If swelling is severe, persists beyond 2-3 weeks, is accompanied by increasing pain, redness, warmth, fever, or numbness/tingling, it is essential to contact the surgeon immediately, as these could indicate infection or other complications.
- During recovery, it is vital to continue following the surgeon's specific post-operative instructions regarding movement restrictions and rehabilitation exercises.
From the Research
Hand Swelling after Shoulder Surgery
- Hand swelling after shoulder surgery is not directly addressed in most of the provided studies, which focus on pain management, surgical options, and return to sport participation criteria.
- However, one study 2 investigates the effect of limb elevation on hand swelling after surgery, although it is not specifically related to shoulder surgery.
- The study 2 found that elevating the hand postoperatively did not significantly reduce swelling, and there were no complications in patients who did not have limb elevation.
- The other studies 3, 4, 5, 6 do not provide relevant information on hand swelling after shoulder surgery, as they focus on pain management, surgical options, and return to sport participation criteria.
- It can be noted that the study 2 was not specifically focused on shoulder surgery, but rather on fasciectomy or trapeziectomy, which may have different implications for hand swelling.
- There is limited evidence available to directly answer the question of hand swelling after shoulder surgery, and more research may be needed to fully understand this topic.