Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Four weeks after your surgery your tendon is still very weak and has a high risk of rupture, especially if too much strain is placed on the surgical repair.
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.
Splint Wear
You may now remove the splint for light activities but the splint must be worn overnight and for protection when hand may be at risk (for example public transport, school playground or at work).
Activities
Please note this is only a guide. Please discuss specific activities with your therapist as every injury and person if individual.
4-8 Weeks LIGHT Activities (max 1kg)
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8-10 Weeks MEDIUM Activities (max 5kg)
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10-12 Weeks HEAVY Activities
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12 Weeks RETURN TO NORMAL USE – Gradually progress your activities to improve strength and return to full function (for example contact sports and weightlifting).
Precautions
Do not use your thumb for anything other than very light activities.
Do not push your thumb or wrist into a bent position.
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.
- Bend your wrist backwards and forwards with relaxed fingers.
- Hold your thumb keeping the tip free. Bend and straighten the thumb tip.
- Hold the bulky part of your thumb. Bend and straighten the thumb knuckle.
- Touch the thumb to the tip of each finger, making sure you bend the tip of your thumb each time.
- Bend your thumb towards the base of the little finger.
- Place hand flat on the table. Lift your thumb off the table.
- Place hand flat on the table. Stretch your thumb away from your fingers.
- Other…
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/104
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.