Surgery may be an option when non-invasive treatments are no longer enough and the pain associated with rhizarthrosis becomes too much to bear.
There are various forms of surgery, including trapeziometacarpal (TMC) prosthesis or trapeziectomy with ligamentoplasty, aimed at restoring satisfactory thumb function and providing lasting pain relief.
But after the operation, the recovery stage begins. How long does recovery take? How can the recovery process be broken down? What can you expect on a day-to-day basis? This page will provide you with a better understanding of what is involved in this essential period in rhizarthrosis treatment.
Gradual, carefully monitored recovery
How long recovery takes depends on a number of factors:
In most cases recovery can take anything between a number of weeks to a number of months. A post-operative brace or splint may be prescribed to protect the joint and promote healing. This is usually worn for 3 to 6 weeks, often at night, when uncontrolled movements are most common.
Read the page on wearing a brace or splint after thumb surgery for a better understanding of how useful one can be.
The main stages of recovery
1. First few weeks: rest and protection
The main aims immediately after the operation are pain relief, reduction of inflammation and protection of the area operated on. The thumb is temporarily immobilised (often using a brace) and painkillers can be used as required.
Patients often suffer from swelling, stiffness and discomfort when moving their thumb during this stage. This is part and parcel of the normal recovery process.
Regular icing for 10 minutes at a time (with skin protection) can provide local pain relief and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is often recommended to ice the area a number of times a day during this stage.
2. Weeks 4 to 6: gentle mobilisation
Whether mobilisation of the thumb is initiated sooner or later depends on the surgical technique used. Some treatment plans allow rapid mobilisation, whilst it can take longer with others.
Gentle mobilisation exercises are gradually introduced. They are generally supervised by a physiotherapist, and can be supplemented with self-rehabilitation sessions at home.
Advice and specially adapted exercises can be found under ‘Physiotherapy and self-rehabilitation: recommended exercises’.
3. After 2 to 3 months: resumption of everyday hand movements
Most patients are able to resume simple activities (washing, eating, dressing, etc.) without the need for assistance.
Resuming work or sport and physical exercise depends on the intensity thereof. A longer recovery period, sometimes up to 3 or 4 months, is required for occupations that put a lot of strain on the hand.
Recovery tailored to each patient
There is no standard length of recovery.
Some patients are able to resume light activities within 4 to 6 weeks, whereas others need a number of months to recover fully.
It often takes anything between 3 to 6 months for patients to be able to use the thumb operated on ‘without thinking about it’.
Resuming work depends in particular on the following factors:
Personalised time off work is usually proposed, taking these factors into account.
Preventing complications and consolidating the results
Post-operative monitoring is a key part of detecting potential complications (persistent pain, prolonged stiffness, delayed healing, etc.).
The outcome is positive in the vast majority of cases, with a clear improvement in thumb function and lasting pain reduction.
Sticking to the surgeon’s advice, following the rehabilitation plan and adopting protective measures will all help to ensure that this period goes smoothly.
The page ‘Adapting your day-to-day hand movements, tasks and activities’ can help you to resume your activities gently.
