Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 10/17/2008

Question
Hi,
I had surgery to repair constant pain in my hand and a  tendon release/repair was done..no pain but a numbness in my thumb occured after surgery and was told my loss of feeling ,numbness in my thumb would return within 8 weeks after surgery..it hasn't and I am feeling it was probably from the surgery a possible outcome...my questions, is there any way to get it back...have heard of sensory re-education...would that be something done? with any good results..anything else..maybe you can think of doing>
thanks
jinja

Answer
Jinja,     Thanks for the question. I can tell you this, it may be to early to tell if it will come back. I had a surgery to my hand over a year ago where my hand went numb. I thought as well the sensation in my fingers would not return and that the surgery did not take.

Almost three months later I noticed a small change and then it eventually all returned. I was about to say the surgery didn't work.

Any time there is surgery like this there is a very small amount of sewlling that could be pressing on the nerve that innervates the sensory portion of the thumb. Give it some more time. I know its very frustrating as you need the sensation in the thumb to do alot of things with your hand.

There is no exercise that will speed it along. Just keep the thumb moving so it does not tighten up. Sensory education may be one way to go but I think its to early to tell if that would work.

As long as the doctor is being straight with you regarding the success of the surgery I feel it will return. I had learned it took longer then I was initially told however.

Hang in there a little longer and let me know how you make out.

Bottom line to the story?  Give it some more time.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.
www.totaljointfitness.com
www.richardhaynes.com