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Had Numbness In The Base Of The Thumb, Forefinger. Had Surgery. Slight Improvement. Any Exercises Recommended?
hi I had a surgery to my left forearm with two plates put in much ulna and radius 5 days ago. Prior to the surgery I had numbness in my thumb and its base and forefinger before and after surgery. the numbness has only improved slightly after surgery and I have limited movement in my thumb. according to my surgeon, the feeling will slowly come back to my thumb, however I m very worried since I m a dentist and my hands are my whole career. also what exercises can I do to improve the range if motions coming back to my thumb?
Wed, 12 Dec 2012
Hello and thanks for the query
The problem you are facing is due the nerve injury that has occurred due to the trauma you have faced. It is a good sign that the numbness has improved immediately after the surgery. So there is every chance that you will get full movement of thumb but it will take its time as your surgeon has explained you. The nerve injury always take time to heal it depends on the nature of injury and its effect.
Do regular exercise as advised by your physiotherapist and surgeon. No additional exercise is needed. As you have undergone surgery 5 days ago there are limited exercise you can do but you can increase it as the time goes.
Best Wishes
The problem you are facing is due the nerve injury that has occurred due to the trauma you have faced. It is a good sign that the numbness has improved immediately after the surgery. So there is every chance that you will get full movement of thumb but it will take its time as your surgeon has explained you. The nerve injury always take time to heal it depends on the nature of injury and its effect.
Do regular exercise as advised by your physiotherapist and surgeon. No additional exercise is needed. As you have undergone surgery 5 days ago there are limited exercise you can do but you can increase it as the time goes.
Best Wishes
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Hello,
Return of sensations can take quite a bit of time after surgery. Since there is no sensory input from the thumb and the range of motion is less, there can be stiffness in the joints of the thumb. You need to perform passive ROM of all the joints of the thumb. Take a glass and try applying pressure to it as much as you can. Also try to touch the tips of your other fingers with your thumb. Then, extend and flex the thumb. All these exercises need to be performed for at least 15 minutes per day for 2 sessions at this point of time to achieve best long-term results.
Return of sensations can take quite a bit of time after surgery. Since there is no sensory input from the thumb and the range of motion is less, there can be stiffness in the joints of the thumb. You need to perform passive ROM of all the joints of the thumb. Take a glass and try applying pressure to it as much as you can. Also try to touch the tips of your other fingers with your thumb. Then, extend and flex the thumb. All these exercises need to be performed for at least 15 minutes per day for 2 sessions at this point of time to achieve best long-term results.
I find this answer helpful
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