Question 1

why would my hand be swelling after a rotator cuff surgery?

Accepted Answer

Surgery: This is not uncommon after rotator cuff surgery because fluids are typically used and after surgery that fluid collects and then drains along the path that gravity allows (down the arm to the hand). Also, the arm is typically placed in a sling that limits motion of the shoulder and elbow and thus collected fluid isn't readily pumped back upwards. Elevation, ice and hand and wrist motion can help.

Question 2

why would my hand be swelling, fingers stiff and severe pain in my hand after rotator cuff surgery?

Accepted Answer

Post surgery care: You need to report this extremity swelling to your surgery team. In the recovery period, set backs and problems need to be evaluated to avoid serious problems. An ultrasound of your arm will rule out a DVT as the cause of swelling. If you do have a surgery related dvt, then early diagnosis and treatment is a benefit.

Question 3

is swelling of the hand normal after rotator cuff surgery?

Accepted Answer

Not unusual.: It could be a normal occurence from the swelling associated with surgery. You should check with your surgeon to make sure it's not something else.

Question 4

i have swelling in my hand from my rotator cuff surgery, is there anything i can do in terms of drainage?

Accepted Answer

Move fingers: After rotator cuff surgery the arm and hand can swell. Keeping the elbow hand and fingers moving will help with the drainage. If it doesnt help you can see your doctor or therapist about a compression glove.

Question 5

is it normal for my hand to swell after my rotator cuff surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Swelling in the hand after any surgery on the shoulder, elbow, or wrist is usually not a problem.  The combination of increased blood flow to the arm as part of the healing response along with decreases in range of motion after surgery contribute to the swelling.  The swelling usually resolves after days to weeks depending on the individual patient.

Question 6

i have swelling in the bicep area (goes all the way around) in my arm following rotator cuff surgery 5 weeks ago.  should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

See your surgeon: You really should discuss this with your surgeon since he/she was there and can give you all og the what ifs.

Question 7

can rotator cuff surgery affect the ability to use my hand?

Accepted Answer

Nerve irritation: Very rare.  At times positioning during surgery can stretch and irritate the brachial plexus. Pre-existing carpal tunnel syndrome can be aggravated by post operative swelling.  Anterior interosseous nerve palsy has been reported in a few cases (extremely rare) (weakness of thumb and/or index finger flexion.  Most resolve with time.

Question 8

6 weeks post-surgery rotator cuff. discontinued sling. hand  swollen, pain (sometimes severe) in thumb pad & "click" when thumb moves. problem?

Accepted Answer

Trigger finger: After a rotator cuff  repair, it is not uncommon to have swelling. This swelling can stay around the entire arm and hand. Swelling can also cause irritation and swelling in the finger (and thumb) tendons. When the tendons don't fit through the tendon sheaths, they cause triggering, or locking of the fingers and thumb.

Question 9

i recently had rotator cuff surgery.  if i hold my arm in certain positions, part of my hand and last 2 fingers become very numb.

Accepted Answer

Ulnar nerve : What  you describe is ulnar nerve irritation (called cubital tunnel syndrome ) most likely
probably has nothing directly to do with the rotator cuff surg but could be associated with the sling afterwards putting pressure on the nerve (funny bone)
careful how you rest your arm and discuss with your surgeon.

Question 10

partial palm, 4th, and fifth digit tingling began 10 weeks post rotator cuff surgery.  6 weeks later no change.  what is the connection?  what to do?

Accepted Answer

Brachial plexus: The shoulder joint is nearby the brachial plexus, and perhaps some nerve stretching occurred, during rehab, but the problem might be at the elbow instead.  Either way sounds in an ulnar nerve location.  An EMG might help.  See your doctor, as there very likely is some connection.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Why would my hand be swelling after a rotator cuff surgery

A member asked:

Why would my hand be swelling after a rotator cuff surgery?

A member asked:

Why would my hand be swelling, fingers stiff and severe pain in my hand after rotator cuff surgery?

A member asked:

Is swelling of the hand normal after rotator cuff surgery?

A member asked:

I have swelling in my hand from my rotator cuff surgery, is there anything i can do in terms of drainage?

A member asked:

Is it normal for my hand to swell after my rotator cuff surgery?

A member asked:

I have swelling in the bicep area (goes all the way around) in my arm following rotator cuff surgery 5 weeks ago. should i be concerned?

A member asked:

Can rotator cuff surgery affect the ability to use my hand?

A member asked:

6 weeks post-surgery rotator cuff. discontinued sling. hand swollen, pain (sometimes severe) in thumb pad & "click" when thumb moves. problem?

A member asked:

I recently had rotator cuff surgery. if i hold my arm in certain positions, part of my hand and last 2 fingers become very numb.

A member asked:

Partial palm, 4th, and fifth digit tingling began 10 weeks post rotator cuff surgery. 6 weeks later no change. what is the connection? what to do?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?