Carpal tunnel surgery recovery

DODGYKNEES
DODGYKNEES Member Posts: 112
edited 9:13AM in Living with arthritis

Hi all. I have had both right and left hand carpal tunnel surgery this year. Right in February and left in June. I also had a left ulnar transposition surgery done at the elbow in 2023. I still have some symptoms of carpal tunnel, but not as bad as before the surgeries. The surgeon said it can take a year or two for things to settle down. I am having a lot of pain in my fingers making it hard to make a fist and grip. I am starting back to work this week which I am not looking forward to. I work on a computer and there's a lot of typing. I am running out of ideas of what work would best suit my situation, widespread osteoarthritis, degenerative disk disease in my neck and fibromyalgia. Has anyone been in a similar situation and what work has suited you best?

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Comments

  • MaryL44
    MaryL44 Moderator Posts: 222

    Hi @DODGYKNEES Sorry to hear about your issues with your hands.

    I have issues with my wrist/fingers and try to exercise to keep everything moving. Have a look at this on our website:

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-fingers-hands-and-wrists/

    Do check with your employers about what adaptations they can provide for you. Eg. more ergonomic mouse; better mouse mats etc.

    Our members may have more advice. Do check back.

    Mary (moderator)

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,536

    What about voice recognition software @DODGYKNEES?

    Would it be possible to use that in the job you do? Sorry if it's not possible. I think a chat with your employer /HR as suggested by Mary is a really good idea too.

    It's a tough point you've got to now I am presuming it's a good while till retirement age and you need to be earning.

    Good luck

    Toni x

  • Trish9556
    Trish9556 Member Posts: 927
    edited 7:03AM

    Hi @DODGYKNEES

    I haven't had carpal tunnel surgery but I did have a trapeziectomy on my left thumb in 2020 and I am also having surgery in the same hand and wrist later this year.

    I was a PA at the time working up to ten hours a day three days a week.

    Two of the best things I discovered were therapy putty and balls.

    The putty comes in a pack of multi coloured packs all of which are a different strengths. Use it like a child does with play doh. Squeeze, pull, dig fingers in, stretch, tear and it will build up strength.

    The therapy balls are egg shaped and again come in different colours. They fit perfectly into your hand and can be used as a fidget toy. Keep in your pocket and squeeze.

    With both of these start with the softest, yellow, and work your way through. On bad days use a softer one.

    Picking tiny things up off of a table helps. Buttons, pins, coins etc, slide to the edge of the table and use thumb and forefinger to pick them up.

    Touch each finger tip with your thumb and also sliding your thumb from top to base on each finger will help.

    All of these will help with dexterity.

    When my hands are stiff I use hot hands, or similar. Little packets of air activated magic that stay warm for twelve hours. Available in a pack of two in most shops and if you get on with them, get them in bulk off if online seeing sites. I get them by the box load, 40 pairs, and they're much cheaper.

    I hope these suggestions help you, I was back at work within six weeks but like any surgery, it takes time and determination.

    Please shout out if you have any questions.

    Trish

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