Trapeziectomy

Hi @Buzzby

I had a trapeziectomy in 2020 and was back at work as a full time PA. However, we all recover at different timescales and all of our surgeons deal with recovery diffferently.

I had my plaster off at two weeks and started with hand therapy immediately - however I understand a lot of people don't get their plasters off until much later these days.

Have you seen a hand therapist? What exercises have you been given?

If you search on my name you'll find a lot of advice on recovery and a sheet of exercises that I was given at the time. I know a lot of members on here were not given any exercises.

My surgeon recommended E45 cream - not the lotion - to me at the time and it is worth you investing in a tub. Rub it into your hand/wrist/scar frequently through the day before you start your hand exercises.

1. Move your thumb from the top to the bottom of each finger on your operated hand and repeat five times
2. Make a fist and stretch your hand out and repeat five times
3. Invest in some therapy putty and therapy balls (these are egg shaped) - you can get them in a set of 5 from most online shops - start with the softest and squeeze, dig your fingers into, pull, stretch and generally play with the stuff whenever your sat down watching telly. Think of a child playing with play doh and you get the idea. Gradually work up to the next strength but if you overdo it then just go down again.
4. Slide small items - pennies, buttons etc to the edge of a table/tray etc and pick up. Picking up small things is incredibly difficult after surgery so you will need to work on this.
5. Try putting some warm water into a bowl and pick stuff up in the water, play with the water, squeeze sponges etc or even just wash up!

Shout if you need any advice, The more you exercise your hand/fingers the quicker you will get mobility back but if you really are struggling, speak with your surgeon/hand therapist.

Trish