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Swelling After Hand Surgery

Posted By GertJr (Madison ) on 11/10/2022

I had surgery Aug 15 on my index finger knuckle, right at the palm. I went to physical therapy because it wouldn't bend and now I can get it to bend after much exercise but, after even a short time of rest, it's back to stiff and hard to bend. The PT guy said it bent far enough and no need to come back. I asked him about the swelling, since it's been over 8 weeks and it's still really swollen--that, I think, is one reason it is hard to bend. He poo-poo'ed swelling, said it wouldn't make a difference. That swollen area is warmer than the surrounding skin, but he wasn't bothered by that. So, I'm not trusting the dr anymore, since he looked at it, mentioned the swelling and sent me to PT, so dr wasn't concerned about the swelling, either. I have continued to ice it, but it stays puffy. I have used aloe + dmso, seems like it's easier to get to bend for a short time after, but goes back to the normal stiff after awhile. Any thoughts? Is there a topical treatment that may help? I already take curcumin, 750 mg, for inflammation, should I start something else? I wonder if there's not some infection in there, but can't get that dr to take a solid look. I have no antibiotics available, but I do have oregano oil, and several other things. I plan to try soaking now, not just ice water or ice pack, but soaking in warm water and epsom salts. Oh, I tried castor oil, too, but didn't seem to make a difference. I need advice. Thanks,

Replied by Mama to Many (TN) on 11/10/2022

Dear GertJr,

I wonder about some infection, too. Maybe some cellulitis? Curcumin would be the first thing to try, but you are doing that. Though with infection, I try to repeat the dose often through the day. Probiotics are also very helpful. Tea tree or frankincense essential oil topically might help the swelling and infection if that is present.

I read your post and went to pick up my son. On the drive I was thinking about it and my first thought was apple cider vinegar. We have used it to heal sprains in short order. You could apply it to a piece of cotton and wrap it overnight and see what happens. The other thing we use to reduce swelling is onion - a raw onion made into a poultice and attached to the swelling for several hours or overnight.

You have tried several things that all seem quite reasonable. I would have suggested castor oil and Epsom salt if you hadn't already mentioned them.

Keep us posted!

~Mama to Many~

Replied by GertJr (Madison) on 11/14/2022

To mama and others who have made suggestions about my swelling, I'm sorry to say that nothing has worked so far. I tried the onion poultice, tea tree oil, and frankincense and there was no change. I think I'm going to make an appointment w/ the dr and see what he says. I am afraid that he will blow me off since I didn't do all the physical therapy sessions he recommended (which I would have done except that the therapist said don't bother). Funny, but the dr says therapy will help and the therapist says it will not, so what to do? I really feel that, when I get the swelling down w/ icing, that I have great movement of that joint, as far as the other hand so, in my mind, the swelling is the issue. Dr & therapist both say the swelling does not 'impact what they are seeing'. So, once again, the medical establishment has failed me and I'm on my own. Not really, tho, due to all the good folks at EC AND my sister is coming for a visit this next weekend. She had a career as Labor & Delivery nurse but always tended to natural methods as much as possible, so I think she can give me a good opinion on my next move.

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