Treatment FAQ

what is the best treatment for sore thumb muscles

by Treva Hessel Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Ice the joint for 5 to 15 minutes several times a day. Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help reduce inflammation and swelling. Wear a supportive splint to limit the movement of your thumb, and allow the joint to rest and heal. The splint may protect both the wrist and the thumb.

What is the recovery time for thumb surgery?

Depending on your injury, you may need additional treatment like: Splints: A special splint called a thumb spica splint can support your wrist and thumb so they can heal. Pain management: We use non-narcotic medications and integrative care like acupuncture to …

What is the recovery time for a thumb joint replacement?

Dec 05, 2020 · Thumb pain can result from damage or injury to any of the structures in your thumb, including bones, joints, tendons, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, connective tissue, skin or fingernails. The symptoms may be constant or they may vary, and they may improve or worsen with movement. You might describe your thumb pain as sharp, dull, stabbing ...

Which splint is right to treat your thumb pain?

Reduce the stress and strain to the thumb. Over the counter nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as recommended by your doctor can help reduce pain and inflammation. Ice helps block the thumb pain and reduce swelling. Reducing arm and hand activity is also recommended to diminish thumb pain.

What is the cure for a trigger thumb?

Jan 26, 2017 · 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. Ultrasound: As part...

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How do you get rid of sore thumb muscles?

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 are the muscles in my thumb sore?

There are several causes of thumb pain including: (1) trigger thumb, (2) arthritis, (3) tendonitis, (4) carpal tunnel syndrome, and (5) skier's thumb.Feb 1, 2021

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)Jun 18, 2020

Can thumb pain be cured?

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.Apr 8, 2019

Does massage help thumb arthritis?

For many of us, getting a massage can seem like a luxury reserved for special occasions. However, for those with hand pain (including pain associated with arthritis), regular hand massage has been proven to decrease anxiety, improve strength and reduce pain.Jun 22, 2015

What does arthritis in your thumb feel like?

Swelling, stiffness and tenderness at the base of your thumb. Decreased strength when pinching or grasping objects. Decreased range of motion. Enlarged or bony appearance of the joint at the base of your thumb.Jun 18, 2020

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.

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 ...

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.

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).

Can thumbs be overused?

Overuse of thumb. Just like any other joint, the thumb can be overused or overextended. When your thumb is overused, it can feel sore and painful at the joint. A joint that is overused may feel warm and tingling, in addition to being painful.

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 heal a torn ligament in thumb?

Rest: 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.

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 stop a thumb from hurting?

Ease Pain with Acupressure. If the base of your thumb really hurts, try acupressure as a simple home remedy. Using the thumb and index finger from your opposite hand, apply firm pressure for 30-seconds to the webbing between your thumb and pointer finger.

How to get rid of swollen thumbs?

Relieve Thumb Pain with Distraction. Joint distraction is an easy and effective way to get some relief from sore and swollen thumbs. Take your opposite hand and use it to gently grasp the base of your painful thumb, then gently pull until you feel a slight relief, hold it for 30-seconds and release.

What does it mean when your thumb hurts?

Thumb pain, whether it’s right thumb pain or left thumb pain, is a common symptom of thumb osteoarthritis, also known as basal joint arthritis or CMC arthritis. These simple at home stretches for the thumb and wrist will help ease pain, increase range of motion, and stretch & strengthen to help ease sore, swollen, ...

How to get wrist to move?

This exercise has two parts to help get your wrist moving, do 10 repetitions 3 times a day of each. First, move the hand back and forth as much as possible. Second, move the wrist from side to side as much as you can without straining.

Can a physiotherapist help with thumb pain?

Thumb pain is a common symptom of thumb osteoarthritis, along with thumb soreness, swelling, less strength when grasping or pinching objects, and less ability to move your thumb. If that sounds like you, physiotherapy can help reduce pain and prevent progression.

Why does my thumb hurt?

Disease or injury to any part of your thumb can result in thumb pain. Symptoms may arise from neuromuscular conditions, inflammatory conditions, infections, or diseases that affect the blood flow to the thumbs. In addition, thumb pain can be caused by underlying conditions that involve the body as a whole, such as diabetes.

What are the symptoms of thumb pain?

Thumb pain may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including: Arm, hand, finger or shoulder pain. Bluish coloration of the lips or fingernails. Burning or tingling sensation in other areas of the body. Difficulty breathing.

What does it mean when your thumb is numb?

If thumb pain is associated with a sudden onset of weakness or numbness in the arms or hands, especially if it occurs on only one side of your body, it can be a sign of stroke.

Why does my thumb feel numb?

Peripheral neuropathy, a disorder that causes dysfunction of nerves that lie outside your brain and spinal cord, when it is associated with diabetes can lead to damage of one or more of the nerves in the thumb, resulting in pain, numbness, and a tingling or burning sensation.

Why is my hand numb?

In some cases, hand numbness (including the thumb), tingling, or weakness may be a symptom of a stroke, which is a life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting.

What causes a swollen thumb?

Inflammation, including inflammation due to infection or arthritis, can cause symptoms that may be present in both thumbs, one thumb, or just a small part of a thumb. Examples include: Abscess. Cellulitis (infection of the skin and underlying tissues)

Is it serious to have a thumb pain?

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition. Thumb pain alone is rarely serious. However, in some cases it might be associated with the life-threatening symptoms of stroke, a condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting.

Why does my thumb hurt?

Thumb pain is often thought of as having to do with arthritis. Sometimes that is true, but it is not always the case. You could be suffering through severe pain just thinking it is either arthritis and not know it could be something else. Many people don't contact a physician for thumb pain because arthritis is automatically thought to be the culprit, but there are many different causes for thumb pain besides arthritis. Trouble gripping and grabbing things is often a symptom of thumb pain, but people with arthritis should be able to grip, grab, pull, and perform all hand activities. Since your hands are an important part of your life and thumb pain can hinder their use, be aware of what condition or injury you might be suffering from. Different conditions have different symptoms, so knowing your symptoms could help with a diagnosis.

Can NSAIDs be given for joint pain?

Trigger point injections, botox, or steroid injections can be treatment options, as well. Pain management is not usually required unless stronger medications or joint injections are involved in treatment.

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.

What is the best medication for hand pain?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) are available over-the-counter (OTC). These can relieve inflammation and pain and are a common choice for people with hand problems. Alternatively, you may prefer Tylenol (acetaminophen), which relieves pain but doesn't help control inflammation.

Why does my hand hurt?

Some require medical treatment, while you may be able to relieve others on your own with self-care. The most common causes of hand pain include: Arthritis. Tendonitis/trigger finger. Ligament injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome.

How do you know if you have arthritis in your hands?

The vast majority of people over the age of 60 have signs of osteoarthritis in their hands. 1 However, some people develop hand arthritis at an earlier age. Symptoms, which sometimes can be severe, include: Joint pain and inflammation. Joint stiffness/limited range of motion. Cracking, grinding, or popping in the joints.

What is the most common joint disease in the hand?

Eventually, misaligned joints and possibly deformity. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of joint disease affecting the hand. 2 Other types can involve the hand, as well, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks the lining of the joints.

Why does my hand feel numb?

The most common hand condition involving nerve compression is carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs with irritation or damage to the median nerve in the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes hand pain that can be achy and sometimes "zingy," as well as tingling or numbness in the fingers and thumb. Rubbing the inside of your wrist may cause tingling ...

What is a cyst in the wrist?

All throughout your body, you have joints and tendon sheaths that normally contain fluid. A ganglion cyst occurs when that fluid accumulates into a pouch, which shows up as a bump. These cysts develop most often in the wrist. 10

What are the causes of hand injuries?

Potential causes of hand injuries are endless—fingers get jammed into things, hands get slammed in doors, and during some sports, your hand may even get stepped on.

How to treat osteoarthritis in thumb?

Ways to reduce inflammation and treat thumb CMC osteoarthritis include topical anti-inflammatory gels, oral over-the-counter medications, adjusting hand activities, using a thumb splint, and steroid injections.

Why does my thumb hurt?

There are several causes of thumb pain including: (1) trigger thumb, (2) arthritis, (3) tendonitis, (4) carpal tunnel syndrome, and (5) skier’s thumb. Read below to learn more.

What is the joint at the base of the thumb called?

The joint at the base of the thumb which allows opposition is called the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. Normal, every day activities can cause wear and tear in the thumb CMC joint. When the joint wears out, it can become inflamed and painful. This process is called osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease.

What is the pain in the thumb and index finger?

Carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a type of pinched nerve. When the nerve is pinched in the carpal tunnel, patients have numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and/or ring fingers. Initially symptoms come and go, and are often worse at night. Some patients feel electric shock sensations or burning pain in their thumbs.

How to treat carpal tunnel?

Treatment for most patients includes wearing a wrist brace at night, stretching exercises, hand therapy, and steroid injections. Carpal tunnel surgery is very effective for most patients if non-operative treatment is not successful or if nerve compression is severe.

What is the thumb that flexes?

Trigger thumb. The tendon that bends or flexes the thumb is called the flexor pollicis longus (FPL). If there is swelling or inflammation around the thumb tendon, it will not glide smoothly. Sometimes the tendon gets stuck in the thumb pulley, causing the thumb joint to click, catch, or lock. This is called a trigger thumb.

What is the UCL of thumb?

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb is vulnerable to tearing as the thumb is bent backwards and away from the hand. If this ligament does not heal properly, patients can have pain and weakness with pinch tasks.

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