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Rehabilitation of index finger after nail bed cut

Hi there,

I had an operation to the tip fo my index finger, following a cut from the rays of a bike wheel.
The cut was deep enough to require stiches to the nail bed, therefore an opearation was requested by the local doctors in France, under anesthetic of the entire right arm.
The operation went well, the finger nail was raised to allow the stiches (3) to be placed.
The nail was then placed on top of the nail-bed (with extra stitches, I think) to make sure it was protecting the nail-bed, before the new nail appears in about 3 months.
I had the stitches taken off yesterday, and I was told by the "medecin" (the surgeon) that I should have done some rehabilitation afterwar the stitches were off.
I have not seen my doctor yet, although I think I should.
The finger is very stiff, and I have problems bending the middle phalanx (I struggle to make it bend at 90 degree), whereas the distal phalanx cannot bend at all yet.

How long will the rehabilitation last and what will it consist of?

Thanks
Giuseppe
P.S. The cut did not involve any bone fractures nor muscles contractions,
2 Responses
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351246 tn?1379682132
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi Giuseppe!
Usually, this starts with passive physiotherapy whereby a physiotherapist helps bend the finger at joints to an extent possible without pain. It will also involve some stretching exercises. Also, you will be asked to do some exercises yourself. With time the stiffness will go away. Please consult a physiotherapist to start with. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.
Helpful - 0
1711789 tn?1361308007
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

Hey Giuseppe!

Well, without knowing the relevant clinical details or a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to comment specifically on the situation. The finger stiffness is likely to have occurred due to weeks of disuse to allow healing causing tendon/ muscle stiffness. This is likely to improve itself over the next few weeks with appropriate movement/ rehabilitation therapy. Rarer causes include scar formation, growths/ masses etc. I would suggest discussing the situation and the suggested management plan in detail with your treating doctor.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!
Helpful - 0
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