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CRPS After hand surgery
I had PRC (Proximal Row Carpectomy) in my left hand in Oct 2024. I then had tendon release surgery in Jan 2025 due to snapping of the ECU tendon. Which I complained about prior to PRC. My Dr did put a stitch in the ECU tendon but said I had a bigger problem and decided to clean out scar tissue from previous surgery and labeled it "arthrofibrosis ". I now have discoloration and numbness to include the feeling of pins and needles everyday. My hand surgeon has diagnosed this as CRPS and referred me to pain management. I have had several rounds of Stellate Ganglion Blocks but only temporary relief. An important fact that I failed to mention is that I AM LEFT HANDED since birth. This has really affected my quality of life. The more I use my hand, the more it irritates the nerves in my hand and it is really debilitating. Has anyone dealt with this and has answers for relief?
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I'm so sorry you are struggling. Have you tried letting your body/ arm float in the water? Maybe do your PT exercises in the water. I found this to be helpful with nerve pain.
@love2cusmile How unfortunate that the surgery that was supposed to help actually gave you more pain. I remember my carpectomy surgery took longer than nearly any other to heal.
Your description of pins and needles points to probable nerve damage - sad to say the only treatments are release if the nerve is trapped and then TIME - lots of time.
And your doctor's description of arthrofibrosis seems to indicate that your body my be overactive in producing scar tissue.
Have you been diagnosed with any autoimmune condition or diabetes? These can increase your chances of excessive scarring.
If this was my dominant hand, I would be pushing for a better option than injections. Perhaps I would consult a rheumatologist or a hand surgeon experienced in complex cases.
Thank you for your concern. No I have not tried that type of therapy. Anything I can do to relieve this pain I am willing to try.
Thank you so much for responding to my post. Yes, it is very unfortunate and immensely frustrating that I have more pain now than when I started this journey. You have given me hope and direction to move forward in a new path I did not realize was there. I have had over 12 surgeries from my shoulders to my groin and have never had a problem with scar tissue. I do not have diabetes but I do have hypothyroidism. Another important fact I failed to mention is that 2 days after the second surgery to repair my ECU tendon I was placed in a "munster brace" for 4 solid weeks with no physical therapy at all due to the tendon still snapping. I believe this was detrimental to my healing process. This is my dominant hand and I am wholeheartedly gonna take your advice and consult a rheumatologist and/or a hand surgeon experienced in complex cases. I hope I can find him/her. My quality of life and sanity depends on it.
Can you give me a hint as to where you are located? Due to the numerous surgeries my daughter and I have had, we know some pretty good ones!
You won't believe the relief the water gives your body. Have you thought about Ketamine treatments? It's becoming more popular and works especially on nerve pain. This is the direction I'm heading if this next surgery doesn't relieve all the burning and aching pain. I'm not really living or enjoying life. Plus it's great for depression. I just need to find a doctor who starts off little at a time. Some docs give to much and people have bad reactions.