Next Steps

Follow-up

Bandages

• Follow the doctor's instructions for bandage changes.
  
  
• The doctor may want the patient to clean and dress the wound daily or may tell the patient to leave the bandages in place until they are rechecked in the office.

Splints

• Do not remove a splint unless the doctor specifically says you can.
  
  
• Certain injuries must be immobilized in a specific position in order to heal properly.
  
  
• Some splints are damaged by water and should not get wet. Ask the doctor whether water will damage the splint.

Antibiotics

• If the patient is prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take the full course of medication even if there is no sign of infection.

Follow-up

• Follow-up is critical to monitor the progress of the patient's recovery.
  
  
• Keep follow-up appointments as directed, even if the patient feels fine.
  
  
• The doctor will tell the patient about when to rest the injured area, and when and what activity to start to prevent or reduce stiffness.