1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

Thumb arthritis: Did anyone have carpometacarpal (CMC) surgery?

Posted by dmk @dmk, Oct 5, 2022

Has anyone had CMC surgery where the trapezium bone is removed and your tendons are knotted to sit in the space to cushion your thumb? If so what was your experience? Thanks in advance

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marye2 | @marye2 | Jun 17, 2023
In reply to @pacer3702 "I agree. I was headed for CMC joint surgery, but managed to avoid it through physical..." + (show)
@pacer3702

I agree. I was headed for CMC joint surgery, but managed to avoid it through physical therapy and wearing a brace when using the computer mouse. I also changed to an ergonomic vertical mouse. The exercises suggested by the hand therapist didn't help. However, another physical therapist suggested weekly hand exercises with 3 pound weights. That worked by building muscle and relieving stress on the CMC joint. I wear the CMC joint brace when doing these exercises.

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Great! My fix was the Rocobado 6, a new mouse, and minding ergonomics while sitting at my computer--shoulders also have an effect, of all things! I wear a splint at night as I tend to curl my hands when sleeping, which is bad.

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sandscript02 | @sandscript02 | Jun 17, 2023
In reply to @marye2 "Please go to physical therapy first. It is so much better than surgery if it works...." + (show)
@marye2

Please go to physical therapy first. It is so much better than surgery if it works. Like KT tape (you tube directions) and various stretches. I've had the shots but they only last so long; have to keep up the stretches to keep the flexibility once the inflammation is gone. It has been a few years since a shot. Also, look at how you use your hands as it can be ergonomic, too.

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Several years ago, a specialist made thumb splints for me to sleep in. The thumbs were rested by the splints and the pain lessened. Now, I tape my thumbs and wrists at night. Often I just use masking tape. So helpful and not incapacitating or uncertain like surgery. My best to you. Sandra Bush

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1 reply
sandscript02 | @sandscript02 | Jun 17, 2023
In reply to @pacer3702 "I agree. I was headed for CMC joint surgery, but managed to avoid it through physical..." + (show)
@pacer3702

I agree. I was headed for CMC joint surgery, but managed to avoid it through physical therapy and wearing a brace when using the computer mouse. I also changed to an ergonomic vertical mouse. The exercises suggested by the hand therapist didn't help. However, another physical therapist suggested weekly hand exercises with 3 pound weights. That worked by building muscle and relieving stress on the CMC joint. I wear the CMC joint brace when doing these exercises.

Jump to this post

Have you tried using voice activation on your computer? I think it can be set up in Accessibility. It saves wear and tear on hands. Blessings, Sandra

REPLY
1 reply
marye2 | @marye2 | Jun 17, 2023
In reply to @sandscript02 "Several years ago, a specialist made thumb splints for me to sleep in. The thumbs were..." + (show)
@sandscript02

Several years ago, a specialist made thumb splints for me to sleep in. The thumbs were rested by the splints and the pain lessened. Now, I tape my thumbs and wrists at night. Often I just use masking tape. So helpful and not incapacitating or uncertain like surgery. My best to you. Sandra Bush

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I use a lot of KT tape, too. You tube says how to use it--probably the same as you are doing now! Great to hear your "fix".

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pacer3702 | @pacer3702 | Jun 18, 2023
In reply to @sandscript02 "Have you tried using voice activation on your computer? I think it can be set up..." + (show)
@sandscript02

Have you tried using voice activation on your computer? I think it can be set up in Accessibility. It saves wear and tear on hands. Blessings, Sandra

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Thank you for this suggestion!

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dmk | @dmk | Jul 11, 2023

Had CMC surgery Nov23 long recovery finally discharged from therapy in mid May. Awesome success still not greatest strength to open cans jars etc but apparently with my RTS on same side makes things more difficult but have learned how to use can opener with opposite hand using utube video

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kar020268 | @kar020268 | Aug 7, 2023
In reply to @tms "Hi, I had Trapizium surgery on my right thumb a month ago. I had severe swelling..." + (show)
@tms

Hi, I had Trapizium surgery on my right thumb a month ago. I had severe swelling in all my fingers 2 days after. I still have swelling and stiff fingers. My PT says it’s from keeping my hand in a protective state. I did move fingers the best I could due to the swelling. Now I’m scared to death I won’t get the movement back in these fingers. I’m bending them to pain limits several times a day now. Holding them up icing. Etc. it’s also my dominant hand.

Is this normal? This pic was taken 2 days after surgery.

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It looks like you wrap/bandage was wrapped to tight. I had to loosen mine after surgery because of this.

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cds2024 | @cds2024 | Nov 11 9:50am
In reply to @tms "Hi, I had Trapizium surgery on my right thumb a month ago. I had severe swelling..." + (show)
@tms

Hi, I had Trapizium surgery on my right thumb a month ago. I had severe swelling in all my fingers 2 days after. I still have swelling and stiff fingers. My PT says it’s from keeping my hand in a protective state. I did move fingers the best I could due to the swelling. Now I’m scared to death I won’t get the movement back in these fingers. I’m bending them to pain limits several times a day now. Holding them up icing. Etc. it’s also my dominant hand.

Is this normal? This pic was taken 2 days after surgery.

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I was hospitalized for 2 days, 4 days after surgery. My hand looked the same. Now 3 months after surgery my fingers are still swollen and stiff. It appears the radial nerve was damaged and also carpal tunnel which I did not have prior to surgery. I will be going in for a second surgery after seeing a neurologist to repair the damage. My hopes are that I will regain usage of my hand after the second surgery.

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SusanEllen66 | @SusanEllen66 | Nov 11 10:24pm

I had my right thumb done in 2012. The doc used a cadaver’s tendon but my body rejected it. Finally, he used one of my own tendons and it has been ok.

My hands have given me much trouble over the last 20 years.

Trigger fingers (2)
Carpel tunnel
Sagittal band repair

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