Most of us spend a lot of time working on computers or texting on cell phones. Did you know that such activities could cause thumb pain? Gamer’s thumb, Xbox thumb or Blackberry thumb are all catchwords used for describing repetitive thumb strain injuries caused due to these activities. Besides repetitive strain, disorders affecting the thumb joint are also likely to cause thumb pain. Thumb pain is surely a very discomforting condition and it can affect your ability to perform simple activities. Sometimes, thumb pain could even radiate to the wrist and the forearm. One could also experience numbness, stiffness and swelling around the thumb joint. Wondering how to treat pain in thumb? Here’s some information on the causes and treatment of thumb pain.
Pain in Thumb: Causes
Thumb injuries and repetitive strain are the most common causes of thumb pain. When the carpometacarpal joint or the joint located to the base of the thumb gets affected due to injuries or bone disorders, one experiences thumb pain. Wear and tear of this joint due to arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis is most likely to cause stiffness, swelling and pain in thumb joint. Pain in thumb knuckle could also be caused due to osteoarthritis. Another condition that could cause pain in thumb area is De Quervain’s tendinitis. This condition is associated with the inflammation of the tendons at the base of the thumb. When the tendons thicken, it gives rise to thumb pain when gripping.
De Quervain tenosynovitis is another condition that could be responsible for causing thumb pain. There are two thumb tendons called abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis which are placed along the inner edge of the wrist. As they travel along the wrist, they go through a tunnel coated with a slippery substance. This tunnel is called as tenosynovium. When the tenosynovium gets inflamed, the thumb tendons are unable to move properly. The restrictive movement of thumb tendons can lead to wrist and thumb pain. Numbness, tingling and thumb pain could also be caused due to carpal tunnel syndrome. These symptoms are experienced due to median nerve getting compressed at the wrist between the carpal bones and the transverse ligament. Sprains or injury to the connective tissue called ulna collateral ligament can also cause swelling and pain and restrict the movement of the thumb.This ligament is a connective band of fibrous tissues which connects the bones at the base of the thumb. Injury to this ligament is described as Skier’s thumb or Gamekeeper’s thumb.
Pain in Thumb: Treatment
Now that you are aware of the thumb pain causes, let’s move on to the thumb pain treatment. The treatment will vary depending on the causes of thumb pain. Since repetitive strain injuries are very likely to cause thumb knuckle pain, you must refrain from overuse. Rest is very important for speeding up the healing process of the damaged ligaments and other structures of the thumb joint. If the X-rays indicate a bone fracture, surgical intervention might be required. Surgery is often required to repair a severely damaged thumb joint. Metal screws, pins or plates may be used to hold the joint together. The patient will also have to wear a splint or cast. Since thumb pain can also be caused due to certain medical conditions, it is important to identify the underlying cause. Generally doctors recommend the use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone injections for treating thumb joint pain caused due to different types of arthritis. Thumb abduction splints or braces can also be used for resting the thumb joint. Physical therapy and use of alternative healing methods such as massage and acupressure might also help in treating thumb joint pain and swelling. Certain thumb flexibility exercises can also help in reducing pressure on the tendons and relieve pain in thumb.
This was some information on what causes pain in thumb and how it can be treated. Since thumb pain can be caused due to certain medical conditions, don’t ignore the symptoms. If you are experiencing thumb pain, consult a doctor soon.
