How do you treat thumb pain?
Treatment for thumb pain will depend on the cause, but generally, pain-relieving medication or physical therapy are the go-to solutions. In some cases, consistent pain in your thumb can be an indication that you need surgery or treatment for another underlying health condition, such as arthritis.
What causes pain in the back of the thumb when gripping?
Causes Behind Thumb Pain. Ganglion Cysts. A ganglion in the thumb might be the reason behind pain when gripping. It is characterized by swelling of a soft tissue in the thumb joint. Even if the center of formation of the ganglion is the wrist or the back of hand, yet the pain might be felt in the thumb.
How to diagnose thumb pain?
Common methods of diagnosing thumb pain include: 1 X-ray to reveal fractures or arthritis 2 tests for carpal tunnel syndrome, including Tinel’s sign (a nerve test) and electronic nerve activity tests 3 ultrasound to see inflamed or enlarged nerves 4 MRI to see wrist and joint anatomy
Should I Rest my Thumb when it hurts?
If you’re experiencing pain from a soft tissue injury, overuse, or over-extension of your thumb joint, consider resting your thumb. You may want to apply ice to the site of your pain if you notice swelling.
How do I get rid of thumb pain?
TreatmentRest: Support the thumb and rest it for as long as possible.Ice: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for about 10 minutes every hour for the first day.Compress: Wear an elastic (ACE) bandage to reduce swelling.Elevate: Keep the hand raised above heart level to reduce swelling and pain.
Why does my thumb hurt when I try to grab something?
Thumb arthritis is more common with advancing age, and causes pain at the base of the thumb where it meets the wrist. This can cause discomfort with everyday activities that use the thumb, such as getting dressed, writing, opening jars, or pinching and grasping objects.
What is the best medicine for thumb pain?
To relieve pain, your doctor might recommend: Topical medications, such as capsaicin or diclofenac, which are applied to the skin over the joint. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve)
Does thumb tendonitis go away?
You may be able to recover from De Quervain's tenosynovitis with home treatment. Changing your activity, resting the sore thumb, and treating thumb tendonitis with anti-inflammatory medications and heat or ice can improve the pain in a few weeks.
How long does thumb tendonitis take to heal?
Tenosynovitis can be treated effectively with rest and splinting for 6 weeks.
How do you massage a sore thumb?
7:5812:33Massage therapist self-care: Thumb pain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou might just be able to grab. Skin that's fine too again go through that gentle range of motion.MoreYou might just be able to grab. Skin that's fine too again go through that gentle range of motion. And finally we're going to start using that thumbless duck grip to scoop up big pieces of forearm.
Does massage help thumb arthritis?
Studies have shown that having a professional hand massage just once a week, and doing self-massage once a day, may help reduce the pain associated with many conditions, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neuropathy.
Is it better to use heat or cold for arthritis?
For an acute injury, such as a pulled muscle or injured tendon, the usual recommendation is to start by applying ice to reduce inflammation and dull pain. Once inflammation has gone down, heat can be used to ease stiffness. For a chronic pain condition, such as osteoarthritis, heat seems to work best.
How can I strengthen my thumb?
Strengthening the muscles of your thumbs can help you grab and lift heavy things like cans and bottles.Put your hand flat on a table. ... Gently move your thumb away from your fingers as far as you can.Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and release.Repeat 10 to 15 times with both hands.
How do you treat thumb tendonitis at home?
Immobilizing your thumb and wrist, keeping them straight with a splint or brace to help rest your tendons. Avoiding repetitive thumb movements as much as possible. Avoiding pinching with your thumb when moving your wrist from side to side. Applying ice to the affected area.
How do you heal a trigger thumb naturally?
Resting your hands if possible, wearing a splint at night, stretching exercises and a steroid injection all can alleviate trigger finger without surgery. Severity of trigger finger can be as simple as an annoying pop or sensation of the joint being stuck when you extend the finger.
What is the best treatment for tenosynovitis?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis treatmentApplying heat or ice to the affected area.Taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). ... Avoiding activities that cause pain and swelling. ... Wearing a splint 24 hours a day for 4 to 6 weeks to rest your thumb and wrist.More items...•
How to diagnose thumb pain?
Common methods of diagnosing thumb pain include: tests for carpal tunnel syndrome, including Tinel’s sign (a nerve test) and electronic nerve activity tests.
Why does my thumb hurt?
Pain in the pad of your thumb can be caused by: basal joint or other type of arthritis. carpal tunnel syndrome. It could also be caused by a soft tissue injury, such as injury to the ligaments or tendons around your thumb, but also the fleshy part (“pad) of your thumb. Bruising and cuts on your skin from day-to-day activities can cause injury ...
What does it feel like to have a burning sensation in your thumb?
Carpal tunnel syndrome. Pain at your thumb joint can be a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome pain can feel like weakness, numbness, tingling, or burning at your wrist, in your fingers, or in the joints of your hands. Carpal tunnel is not uncommon, affecting as many as 6 percent of adults in the United States.
What is the thumb side of your wrist called?
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is inflammation at the thumb side of your wrist. This condition is sometimes called “gamer’s thumb, ” as it can result from a lot of time holding a video game controller.
What is the best medication for carpal tunnel?
Over-the-counter, oral medications for joint pain include NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or acetaminophin (Tylenol).
What happens if you have joint pain?
If you have joint pain that limits your daily activities, notice a decrease in your joint mobility, have trouble gripping objects, or live with pain that spikes each morning when you get out of bed, see your doctor to talk about your symptoms.
What to do if you have a broken thumb?
You should seek medical help immediately if you believe you have broken a bone in your thumb, your wrist, or any part of your hand. If you cannot move your thumb, or if it appears crooked after an injury, you should also seek emergency care.
How to treat a swollen thumb?
Hot Water Compress. Take warm compress on the thumb. Soak your hand (till the wrist) in warm saline water several times in a day. Hot water therapy shall reduce swelling and pain associated with any disorder in the thumb.
Why does my thumb hurt?
Thumb Arthritis. Arthritis causes acute joint pain in the thumb, wherein the thumb loses its mobility partially. Arthritis in the wrist can also give rise to thumb pain. The symptoms are swelling, weakness and numbness in the fingers, particularly in the thumb.
What are the elements of thumb pain?
You will observe this mostly while writing and holding some object. Our hands, wrists and fingers are composed of three elements, viz., nerves, tendons and ligaments. If you have undergone a surgery or have fractured your wrist or specifically the thumb bone, then thumb pain is bound to occur. Since nerves are interconnected with each other, you ...
Why does typing hurt my wrist?
Improper positioning of hand while typing and writing for a long period gives rise to carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve of the wrist when exposed to constant pressure, gets damaged. Other than pain, tingling sensation is also noticed in the wrist. The pain gradually proceeds to the arms which further restricts movement of fingers and wrist.
What is Skier's thumb?
Skier’s Thumb. Injury of the ulnar collateral ligament gives rise to a condition which is medically termed as Skier’s thumb. This connective tissue is more prone to injuries, like sprains and twitches. The thumb swells and the pain is excruciating.
How to relieve tension from over stretching of thumb?
Thumb Exercises. Physical therapy is performed on the fingers and wrist to relieve tension caused due to over stretching of the thumb. At home you can try rotating your thumb to form a complete circle and then touch the tip of rest of the fingers with your thumb.
What is the best medicine for arthritis pain?
If the pain is mild, you will be prescribed anti-inflammatory medication to mitigate the pain. Cortisone injections are also given to people in case of severe pain, especially to reduce arthritis pain.
Why does my thumb hurt?
Thumb pain can occur as a result of repetitive movements, injury, and systemic inflammatory diseases. Thumb pain itself does not present a significant health risk. However, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a broken bone or arthritis.
How to fix a thumb ligament tear?
Compress: Wear an elastic (ACE) bandage to reduce swelling. Elevate: Keep the hand raised above heart level to reduce swelling and pain. If the thumb ligament has a partial tear, a person will need to wear a temporary cast to immobilize the thumb.
What is the difference between trigger finger and de Quervain's tenosynovitis?
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (DQT) is similar to trigger finger. However, DQT involves inflammation of the tendons, whereas trigger finger involves inflammation of the tendon sheath. DQT causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist. Other symptoms may include: pain or tenderness at the base of the thumb and the wrist.
Why do my fingers feel tingling?
It provides sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when inflammation of the wrist compresses the median nerve. This can cause a burning or tingling sensation in the thumb and first three fingers. Other symptoms may include:
What causes a finger to lock?
A tendon is a band of fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. In trigger finger, inflammation of the tendon sheath causes the thumb or finger to catch or lock in a bent position. The condition may occur as a result of repetitive use or injury. Some symptoms of trigger finger affecting the thumb include:
What is a thumb sprain?
Thumb sprain. A thumb sprain results from stretching or damage to the ligaments of the thumb. A ligament is a band of tough, fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, sprains most commonly occur when a person falls onto an outstretched hand.
How long does it take for a thumb to heal after a cast?
After around 4 weeks , the person can usually remove the cast and begin exercises to help regain movement in the thumb. If the injury has caused a complete tear to the thumb ligament, a person will need surgery to repair it.
How to relieve pain from a strained thumb?
Physiotherapy exercise to improve the mobility of thumb joint. Anti inflammatory medicines may be helpful to relieve pain temporarily. Your doctor may advise you to take splint support for both your wrist and thumb joint.
Why does my thumb hurt after surgery?
Thumb pain is often felt after wrist joint surgery or trauma to wrist joint or direct trauma to the thumb, because the nerves and muscles around the wrist joint and the thumb are closely connected.
What nerve passes through the wrist?
Carpel tunnel syndrome: the median nerve which passes through the wrist is pressed against the sheath. The person may drop things and finds difficulty in holding objects. There is debilitating thumb pain when writing or gripping an object.
What is the most debilitating thumb condition?
Arthritis of thumb joint: it is the most debilitating thumb condition where the person finds difficulty in gripping any object due to pain and inflammation of the thumb joint. The mobility and flexibility of the thumb joint is lost in both type of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatic arthritis besides pain.
What causes a drooping thumb?
A ganglion can be on the wrist joint. Dupuytren’s contracture: the condition is common in adult males. The skin around the thumb gets thickened with drooping of thumb.
What is the thumb?
The thumb is the first digit of our hand. Of the entire five fingers, thumb plays an important role while doing all hand activities. Simple household tasks such as gripping any utensil or writing with a pen may not be possible. Thumb pain is the result of it’s over use.
Can you take a splint for thumb pain?
Your doctor may advise you to take splint support for both your wrist and thumb joint. Splint gives much needed rest to your thumb joint and decreases thumb pain. When all the conservative mode of treatments fails your doctor may advise surgery.
How to treat thumb pain?
If you don't believe a trip to the doctor is necessary, there are ways to alleviate your thumb pain symptoms at home. Over-the-counter medications: To relieve swelling and thumb pain, over the counter pain medications can be used as directed.
What causes a thumb to hurt?
Traumatic causes. Trauma to the thumb will result in pain. Accident: Hitting your thumb with a hammer or jamming it in a doorway are just two ways you can injure your thumb. Unless you suspect a broken bone or have unstoppable bleeding, resting the thumb is your best course of treatment.
Why is my thumb swollen?
It can be caused by a bacterial infection within the nail, trauma from an injury, or inflammation of the thumb joints. A sprained thumb and arthritis are the most common culprits for a swollen thumb. Read more. Wrist.
What is the term for the inflammation of the joints of the thumb?
Thumb arthritis. Thumb arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints of the thumb. There are a number of distinct joints in the thumb, all of which can be affected by thumb arthritis. The inflammation may be due to "wear-and-tear" or osteoarthritis, a thumb injury, or rheumatoid arthritis.
What is the pain in the thumb side of the wrist?
De Quervain's tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. If you have de Quervain's tenosynovitis, you will feel pain upon turning your wrist, grasping anything, or making a fist.
How long does it take for a thumb to heal?
A physician may recommend putting your thumb in a cast, splint, or bandage until it heals. It may take up to six weeks to heal. It is advisable to keep the splint on for the first three weeks and to perform strengthening exercises while alternating with the splint on. Follow your physician's advice if it differs.
What is the most common form of arthritis in hands?
There are several different forms of arthritis but one that affects the hands the most is osteoarthritis. As cartilage breaks down, bones begin to rub on other bones. This decreases grip strength and hinders your normal range of motion.
How to treat thumb joint pain?
There are a variety of treatment options for dealing with thumb joint pain, though it is important to seek the advice of a medical professional before beginning any treatment regimen to ensure you do not worsen your condition. Rest: One of the most important things you can do for any joint injury is allow the affected area to rest.
Why does my thumb hurt?
Causes of thumb joint pain. Thumb joint pain can be the result of a variety of different issues, ranging from injury to disease, and it could even be caused by the excessive use of modern technology. Find out what’s causing your thumb pain below. Bennett fracture: A Bennett fracture at the base of the thumb—most often caused by a fall ...
What causes numbness in the thumb?
Carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist and can cause thumb joint pain, tingling, and numbness. Rheumatoid arthritis: This form of arthritis can cause inflammation of the tendons surrounding the thumb, resulting in tendonitis and causing pain in the joint.
What does it mean when your thumb hurts?
Thumb joint pain sign and symptoms. This type of pain can occur with stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. While the pain may start occurring only when you attempt to perform specific actions, such as gripping, it can worsen into inflammation and chronic pain.
What are the complications of thumb pain?
Thumb pain may be more serious than just a damaged ligament or small fracture, and as such, there are a host of complications that may arise. Abscesses. Amputation. Joint Deformity.
What happens if you fall on your thumb?
Falling on the thumb stretches the ligament and causes damage that results in swelling, joint pain, and severe bruising at the base. Thumb dislocation: There are two major joints within the thumb that can become dislocated: the carpo-metacarpal joint (CMC) found at the base of the thumb, and the inter-phalangeal joint found between the phalanges.
How to reduce swelling around joint?
Anti-inflammatories: Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications or creams can help reduce the swelling around the joint and minimize pain. Ice is also good for bringing down any inflammation, and rubbing an ice cube over the joint for a few minutes at a time can help reduce the discomfort associated with swelling.
