Trapeziectomy Recovery Questions

Zuccho77

It has now been almost 6 weeks since I had a trapeziectomy. I spent four weeks in a cast and the last two in a removable splint. The physiotherapist gave me simple exercises at the four week point which consisted of moving my thumb in over my palm and stretching my thumb out over as if stretching your hand. My hand, I’ve noticed, has good days and bad. I have also noticed recently that my fingers hurt badly first thing until I move them once or twice then they are ok. This hasn’t been the case for the first 5 weeks and had no pain in my fingers. I have never stopped moving my fingers since the operation so haven’t allowed them to stiffen up so not sure why this is suddenly happening. Is this something everybody else has experienced and is this part of the normal healing process? My additional question is, as I have not been told anything else by my physiotherapist, is what should I be capable of at this point? For example, should I be using a knife and fork, doing a zip up, going to the bathroom normally etc etc? It would be useful to know what activities and tasks other people who have had this operation were able to carry out at the six week point. Thank you.

Hellesbelles

I had my second trapeziectomy 14 weeks ago. My first, in September 2019 on my non dominant hand went extremly well, apart from having a few issues with strength & grip. That said, my hand is now 100% improved.

Fast forward to November 2023 when I had my dominant hand done. What a difference!

I was unable to do zips up until about 10 weeks post op, & holding both a knife & a pen were also difficult. Daily tasks are taken for granted; washing, cleaning my teeth, (still can't exert enough pressure on my thumb to turn my toothbrush on....) holding the dryer to dry my hair, & for the first 6 or so weeks getting dressed was a big issue, especially as I live alone!

If you experience pain when trying to do normal everyday tasks, then in my opinion, don't do them. This is not a case of 'no pain, no gain'

People are quick to say 'it's only a thumb' but the impact of the surgery is huge. My advice is give it time. Do your excercises as given by your physio, but if they start to cause you pain, then stop. Any concerns, talk to your hand therapist - mine was brilliant.

I have been left with damage to the superficial radial nerve this time around, & as a consequence have limited sensation down the outside of the thumb. From the base of the thumb to the wrist is very tender, and also, I cannot sleep without the support of a pillow under my wrist/arm

Everyone is different - these are just examples of my experiences.

I wish you all the best with your recovery & like I say, just give it time. I think we are all under the impression everything will be ok & back to normal after 6 weeks. It isn't! Recovery is a slow process but you will get there😁

Trish9556

Hi @Zuccho77

I'm surprised at the lack of support from physio! Are you being seen by a specialist hand therapist? If not, you should ask why not.

Basic exercises I was given at two weeks

Making a fist, might not always achieve it but it does improve

Starting with little finger, slide your thumb from top to bottom, or as far as you can go. Repeat in all fingers in order about five sets

Tap the top of your thumb to the top of each finger

Palm straight move hand from wrist to and fro. You can help gently with the other hand dont worry if you can't get it too far, just keep trying

Use the physio putty and exercise balls as much as you can

Pick things up with pinching thumb and forefinger, buttons etc.

Bubble wrap is good, you can get similar stuff for kids in toy shops that are a good alternative.

Keep trying to do buttons and zips up. Perseverance is the word here. I could wear blouses with buttons at six weeks.

Like any surgery, recovery is not instant and it is hard. We are all different and recover differently. If you stop doing the work to aid your recovery is isn't going to happen very quickly

Stick with it. If you need any help or advice please give me a shout

Trish xx

Zuccho77

I’m back at the physio tomorrow so am going to ask lots of questions regarding my swelling, exercises and what I can and can’t do. Thank you so much too for your exercise documents on another thread. Very much appreciated.

CarylW

Hello @Hellesbelles and welcome to the online forum.

It's great to see you are already commenting and providing support to @Zuccho77

Do keep posting and remember we are here for you too! Good luck with your continued recovery.

Best wishes

Caryl

Zuccho77

Quick update - hand seems great and can literally see improvement every day. Fingers are still stiff and worse first thing but swelling has noticeably improved. Can do a lot of things now but have noticed that I do sometimes get the sensation and pains I got with the arthritis in the exact same place as previously. Is this normal and will it get better with time? The physio said that it will be because new tissue is forming there too. Just wondered if this is what other folk had as part of recovery? Thanks.