Hand and foot surgery addresses injuries, deformities, nerve disorders, ulcers, and tendon or bone damage that affect functionality and appearance. These surgeries are essential when trauma, congenital conditions, infections, or nerve dysfunctions compromise daily activity, mobility, or tissue health.
At Elegance Clinic, our plastic and reconstructive surgeons specialise in brachial plexus surgery, nerve and tendon repair, non-healing ulcer management, and nail deformity corrections. Every procedure is tailored to restore form, function, and quality of life.
When Is Hand or Foot Surgery Needed?
You may need hand or foot reconstructive surgery if you experience:
- Mallet finger or broken thumb tip injury
- Claw hand, nerve palsy, or tendon rupture
- Non-healing ulcers on the foot or leg, especially in diabetic or vascular conditions
- Severe wound requiring specialised wound care
- Deformed nails, pincer nails, or recurrent nail infections
- Tendon or ligament injuries in the wrist, hand, or ankle
- Post-traumatic contractures or deformities in fingers, toes, or the foot
- Brachial plexus injury or nerve damage due to trauma or leprosy
- Limb deformities requiring complex or local deformity correction surgery
Types of Conditions Treated
1. Nerve Injuries and Repairs
- Brachial plexus injury treatment (trauma, palsy, birth injuries)
- Nerve repair: median, ulnar, radial, sciatic, posterior tibial, and peroneal nerves
- Nerve transfer: including ulnar nerve transfer surgery and others for paralysis or leprosy
- Nerve release procedures: carpal tunnel syndrome, posterior interosseus nerve syndrome
2. Tendon Injuries and Reconstruction
- Tendon repair surgery for trauma
- Tendon transfer for nerve palsy and leprosy
- Radial nerve tendon transfer for wrist drop
- Ligament reconstruction of the wrist and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, using a tendon graft when required
- Tendon reconstruction in the hand at multiple levels
- Tendon transfer recovery time varies depending on location and complexity
3. Finger and Toe Reconstruction
- Mallet finger treatment, finger tip injuries
- Toe-to-thumb transfer, toe transfer for finger reconstruction
- Total finger reconstruction post-trauma or congenital absence
4. Ulcer and Wound Care
- Advanced wound management and non-healing ulcer treatment
- Non-healing leg ulcer treatment, particularly in diabetic, venous, or arterial ulcers
- Managed by experienced wound care doctors in a dedicated wound care hospital setting
5. Deformity Correction and Secondary Surgeries
- Claw hand exercise and correction surgery
- Deformity correction surgery for post-traumatic contractures
- Complex deformity correction in cases involving severe contractures or misalignment
- Amputation for gangrene or severely deformed digits
- Surgical removal of swellings like lipomas, tumours, and ganglion cysts
6. Nail Conditions
- Pincer nail treatment, pincer fingernail deformity correction
- Management of ingrown nails, fungal infections, glomus tumours, and deformed nail treatment
- Cosmetic and functional restoration for nail discolouration or trauma
7. Dupuytren’s Contracture
- Surgical release and correction of fibrous bands in the palm, causing finger bending
Pre-Treatment Protocol
At Elegance Clinic, pre-surgical evaluation involves:
- Clinical examination of the affected hand/foot, movement restriction, and sensation
- Diagnostic imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, nerve conduction studies if needed)
- Photography and documentation for deformity or functional limitations
- Customised treatment planning: conservative, surgical, or combined
- Pre-operative testing for fitness, especially in chronic wound or systemic cases
Treatment Process: How We Treat
For Acute and Chronic Injuries:
- Mallet finger treatment with splinting or surgical fixation
- Tendon repair surgery with microsurgical precision
- Broken thumb tip treatment and soft tissue coverage
- Claw hand correction with nerve transfer or tendon balancing procedures
- Toe-to-thumb transfer for lost thumb functionality
For Nerve Disorders and Transfers:
- Ulnar nerve transfer surgery, radial nerve tendon transfer
- Posterior tibial nerve grafting or stimulation for foot deformity
- Procedures are performed under magnification with advanced microsurgical tools
For Wound and Ulcer Care:
- Wound cleaning, debridement, and infection control
- Dressing with advanced healing techniques
- Non-healing ulcer management with skin grafts, flaps, or biological dressings
- Posterior tibial artery assessment for foot ulcers in diabetic patients
For Deformity and Nail Corrections:
- Contracture release and deformity correction surgery
- Pincer nail deformity treatment with surgical reshaping
- Correction of ingrown or discoloured nails, nail bed repair
Duration of Treatment
- Wound dressings and ulcer care: Daily to weekly for 1-4 weeks
- Tendon or nerve repair: Surgery time 1-3 hours; healing 2-6 weeks
- Toe-to-thumb or finger reconstruction: 4-6 weeks recovery
- Nail correction surgery: Usually a short outpatient procedure
- Tendon transfer recovery time: 6-12 weeks for full function with therapy
Clinical Considerations: Risks and Benefits
Risks:
- Infection or delayed wound healing
- Tendon or nerve graft failure
- Joint stiffness or incomplete movement recovery
- Scar formation at wound or nail surgery sites
Benefits:
- Restoration of hand or foot function
- Improved grip, sensation, and mobility
- Correction of deformity or claw hand
- Relief from long-term ulcers or painful wounds
- Aesthetic and psychological enhancement
Aftercare Instructions
- Keep wounds clean and dry
- Follow splinting and physiotherapy protocols
- Apply medications as prescribed
- Elevate the limb to reduce swelling
- Regular follow-up with your surgeon and wound care doctor
- Compression therapy may be advised for ulcers
- Start claw hand exercises or movement training early under supervision
Recovery Timeline
- Nerve or tendon surgery: Functional recovery in 6-12 weeks with rehab
- Wound or ulcer management: Varies from 2-6 weeks, depending on depth
- Deformity corrections: Initial healing in 2-3 weeks, functional recovery longer
- Nail surgeries: Visible improvement in 4-8 weeks; full nail regrowth may take months
When to Consult a Hand or Foot Surgeon?
Visit Elegance Clinic or consult a reconstructive specialist if you have:
- Chronic pain, numbness, or loss of hand/foot function
- A non-healing ulcer or wound that doesn’t close despite care
- Nail deformities like pincer nails, ingrown nails, or discolouration
- History of trauma with persistent deformity
- Limited grip, claw hand, or wrist drop
- Need for nerve or tendon reconstruction surgery
- Aesthetic or functional concerns after finger or toe loss
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FAQ
How serious is hand surgery?
Hand surgery involves intricate structures like nerves, tendons, and tiny bones, making precision essential. However, with modern microsurgical techniques and expert post-operative care, these procedures are generally very safe and deliver excellent outcomes.
Is foot surgery a major surgery?
Depending on the nature of the condition, such as nerve repair, ulcer excision, or reconstructive surgery, foot surgery can range from minor outpatient procedures to complex interventions. Most recoveries are manageable with proper care.
Is there any treatment for hand and foot?
Yes. Conditions such as nerve damage, tendon injuries, ulcers, and nail deformities can be treated through advanced surgical and non-surgical approaches.
Can I walk after hand surgery?
Yes. Since hand surgery doesn’t involve the lower limbs, walking is not affected. However, foot surgery may require temporary rest or crutches during the initial recovery phase.
Is hand surgery successful?
Yes, especially when done by skilled surgeons. Most patients experience restored function, reduced pain, and improved appearance.
How long is the recovery after hand surgery?
Minor surgeries: 2-3 weeks
Tendon or nerve repair: 6-12 weeks with physiotherapy
Full recovery time depends on the procedure’s complexity and rehabilitation adherence
