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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

There are alternatives to loosing your FCR tendon (the LRTI procedure) - Tightrope uses biosynthetic string instead of your tendon, Bio Pro and Stablyx are implants that keep your trapezium in place, although cutting the FCR may be required. Each of these procedures offer different outcomes, and are designed to accommodate your needs. What do you want to be able to do after the surgery? With LRTI and Tightrope, you usually get great pain relief, keep your grip strength, but lose your pinch strength - so 4 of the surgeons in my area have explained to me. I had the Stablyx implant (had to go to San Fransisco because all of the surgeons here refused). I had my pinch strength back and stronger in 1 month, but the rest is taking longer. For me, doing the pt exercises post-op is critical, and after almost a year, I still take a moment to do mine, to keep up my strength. Pinch strength is important to me because of my woodworking hobbies - gripping odd-shaped pieces between thumb and forefinger.
Anyway, check out the blogs on these other procedures for other opinions. Hope they help you decide, and hope you get relief from your pain.
Good luck
GregV