It would be a very rare circumstance for a finger to be surgically amputated. However, clinically, we would see many traumatic amputations, potentially workplace injuries, but usually as a result of a trauma rather than a surgical need for amputation.
When a finger is amputated, the loss of an important body part can have profound effects on your daily life. Fingers are responsible for many tasks that we do in everyday life and their absence may be initially difficult to come terms with at first.
When considering amputation, it is important to know all of your options. Your doctor may consider various factors including how many fingers you have left after the operation and what type of prosthesis would be most helpful for everyday activities like typing on a computer or using keys and access control systems.
Recovery From An Amputation
Many factors determine how quickly someone will recover after an amputation including type and severity as well other complications they may have had during surgery or afterwards which could affect their recovery time.
When it comes to the best way of caring for your newly amputated finger, rest and elevation are important. Resting gently will help reduce swelling in this area while keeping movement open allows blood flow so stiffness isn’t an issue later down the line!
Hand therapy can also give great results by decreasing sensitivity through increased range-of motion. The most successful recoveries are seen in patients who have a high degree of motivation to return to normal daily activities, so it’s important to discuss what you can or can’t do before going through this process.
If you have recently had a finger amputated and would like to discuss rehabilitation options with one of our fully qualified therapists, please call us at Melbourne Hand Therapy today (03) 9899 8490 or leave an enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
