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Hand stiffness 4 months post-suspensionplasty

Posted by handsdown @handsdown, 2 hours ago

I am exactly 4 months post-op and have been doing P T 3x/week for 3 months. I am using my hand for everything, with modifications, but my fingers OTHER than my thumb are so stiff when I wake up that I cannot make a fist. I also have developed clicking when I bend my pinkie and ring fingers. Anyone else experience more of a problem with their other fingers than with their thumb post-op?
Saw my surgeon last week and he sees some Dupuytren cords for the first time in that left palm (have had one cord for years, with no progression in right hand). Also thinks the clicking and sporadic nerve pain in those fingers may be more of a carpal tunnel issue. He said that some people have systems that overreact to the trauma of surgery and I do know that I do have a very overreactive immune system from a lung disease I have. I can't wear any jewelry on that hand because the fingers are larger now. I am just wondering if anyone has experienced issues with the other fingers after the suspensionplasty for the thumb trapezoid. Very happy with having no pain there anymore and surgeon did an excellent job. I can't pick up anything in the mornings because it is so stiff but I work and stretch it throughout the day and it improves quite a bit. Thanks.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 1 hour ago

@handsdown I didn't experience this after CMC (thumb arthroplasty) surgery, but I am having symptoms now, six weeks post-wrist-replacement, the first 3 weeks in a cast, now in a full time splint.
Both the ortho PA and the hand therapist told me immobilization after surgery often causes mild or incipient contractures to get worse. I was told that if it persists beyond 4-6 months they will treat it. For now, I massage the area as the OT showed me. I do it 3 times a day along with the wrist therapy.
As for the swelling, after CMC surgery, mine "waxwed and waned" for nearly a year, I'm seeing the same name ow with the wrist.
Have they discussed next steps or a timeline with you?

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