Thumb pain can come on suddenly or develop over time from overuse of the thumb joints and muscles.
This article discusses thumb pain, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Thumb Arthritis
The base of the thumbcalled thecarpometacarpaljoint, or CMCis a common site for arthritis.
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Osteoarthritis(OA) can develop in the thumb.
This condition gradually occurs from joint wear and tear.
Osteoarthritis can affect one or both thumbs.
It is often more severe in your dominant hand.
Rheumatoid arthritis usually causes pain in both thumbs at the same time.
Typing, texting, and playing video games can lead to overuse injuries.
The two muscles affected are the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) and abductor pollicis longus (APL).
These muscles lift the thumb and move it out to the side.
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis occurs from overuse of the thumb and wrist.
The primary symptom is pain along the thumb side of the wrist.
You might also have swelling.
It affects the flexor tendon that bends the thumb and can also affect any of the other fingers.
Each flexor tendon travels through a tunnel called atendon sheath.
Structures called pulleys keep the tendon sheath in place along the finger bones.
Trigger finger develops when the pulleys become inflamed.
Skier’s thumb causes pain on the inside border of the base of the thumb.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the thumb.
Symptoms also commonly affect the index finger, middle finger, and the ring finger’s inner border.
Treatment for Mild Thumb Pain
Mild thumb pain can often be resolved with conservative interventions.
Some thumb pain conditions can be diagnosed with special orthopedic tests.
Severe thumb OA is treated with CMC arthroplasty.
During this procedure, a small bone at the base of the thumbcalled the trapeziumis removed.
Conservative treatment for thumb pain includes home remedies and medications.
Severe thumb pain or trauma might require surgery.
Consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your thumb pain and treatment options.
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