Can I return to work immediately after a wrist arthroscopy?
April 5, 2024 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Quentin Keck
Dear Doctor,
My name is David Stricker and I recently had arthroscopic surgery on my wrist. The operation went well and I am now at home in the recovery phase. However, I am concerned about when I can return to work. I work in an office job that mainly involves computer work and does not require any physically demanding activities.
I am worried that I might return to work too soon and potentially delay or complicate my recovery. On the other hand, I do not want to stay at home for too long and neglect my work. Therefore, I am wondering if it is possible to resume work immediately after a wrist arthroscopy and if so, what restrictions or precautions I should take.
I hope you can provide me with some advice to help me make this decision. Perhaps you have recommendations on how to limit my wrist movements during work to support healing. I look forward to your response and thank you in advance for your time and support.
Sincerely,
David Stricker
Dear David Stricker,
Thank you for your message and the trust you have placed in me. It is understandable that you have concerns about your ability to work after the wrist arthroscopy. I am happy to provide you with some advice that may help you in your decision.
After a wrist arthroscopy, it is usually possible to return to your office job relatively quickly, as it does not require physically demanding activities. However, it is important that you take care of your recovery and do not put excessive strain on the operated wrist. In the first few days after the operation, it is advisable to rest the wrist and avoid putting too much pressure on it. Therefore, avoid lifting heavy objects or performing repetitive movements that could strain the wrist.
It may be helpful to take regular breaks during work to relieve the wrist and, if necessary, use special ergonomic aids such as a wrist brace or a special mouse pad to reduce the strain. Be careful not to overextend or overflex the wrist and try to perform movements gently and controlled to support healing.
It is also important to talk to your treating doctor and inform them about your ability to work. They can give you specific recommendations on when you can return to work and what restrictions to consider. In some cases, it may be useful to plan a gradual return to work to slowly acclimate the wrist to the workload.
Overall, it is important to listen to your body's signals and not to overexert yourself. Take the time you need to fully recover and do not pressure yourself to return to work too soon. With the right caution and mindfulness, you should soon be fully operational again.
I hope this advice helps you and wish you a speedy and uncomplicated recovery. If you have any further questions, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Quentin Keck
