Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Repair after your surgery (Extensor Pollicis Brevis/Abductor Pollicis Longus)
One or more of the tendons that straighten your thumb have been repaired. At this stage the tendons are very weak and are at risk of rupturing (snapping).
It will take at least 8 weeks before your tendon is strong enough to perform certain activities and at least 12 weeks before you can return to heavy activities.
Problems you may encounter
Please contact the therapy department should you experience any of the following problems:
- If you are unable to lift your thumb, this may mean your tendon has ruptured.
- Increase in Swelling/Stiffness/Pain.
- Skin irritation/soreness or splint rubbing.
- If your hand or fingers turn blue, feel cold or tingle – check straps are not too tight.
- If the splint feels loose when swelling reduces.
Swelling
Swelling (oedema) is the body’s normal response to injury. It is important to minimise this by raising your hand as much as possible above the level of your heart and completing your exercises. Every hour move your arm, exercising your elbow and shoulder.
Skin Care
- Wash all areas not covered by the splint.
- Avoid wetting unhealed areas or dressings.
- Use moisturiser if your exposed skin becomes dry.
- When bathing/showering, cover you splint in a plastic bag taped to your arm. Keep your arm away from the hot water as this may alter the splint shape.
- If at any time you feel the splint is causing pressure or impairing your circulation, you must contact your therapist immediately.
Splint Wear
- Keep your splint on at all times until you are instructed to take it off. This will probably be at 4 weeks following your surgery.
- Don’t take the splint off to bath, dress etc. as the repaired tendons may break.
- It will only come off to change the dressings and adjust the splint by the Therapists. Avoid direct contact with heat, (e.g. radiators/hairdryers and the bath) as this may alter its shape.
Precautions
Do not use your thumb for any activity (including buttons).
Do not lift anything heavy with your hand.
Do not drive or operate machinery. We advise no driving until eight weeks after your surgery.
Do not participate in any sporting activities.
Exercises
Complete all exercises 5 times every 2 hours.
1. With the splint on, bend the tip of your thumb and straighten.
2. Remove the strap over the thumb and with the other hand lift your thumb off the splint (hold for 5 seconds).
3. Lift your thumb off the splint by itself (hold for 2 seconds). If you are unable to do this, use the other hand to place and hold your thumb.
4. Remove the straps over the back of your hand. With your other hand push your wrist back, supporting the thumb. Gently bring wrist back to the splint (do not push your wrist back to the splint with the other hand).
Contact details
Hand therapy departments: (Lines open 8.30-15.30, Monday – Friday). In an emergency, seek medical advice from a GP or local accident or minor injuries unit.
0300 6133396 for Frimley
0300 6140540 then Option 2 Wexham or Option 3 for Heatherwood
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Hand therapy service.
About this information
Service:
Hand therapy
Reference:
UU/107
Approval date:
23 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.