Thumb Pain

@lotsofpain Hi again! I’m glad to read that your burn is healing nicely. Sounds like the spray plaster has been doing a great job keeping it protected.

A couple of questions for you. Have you been using your thumb to compensate for the burn in any way? Meaning, have you had to hold a pen or kitchen utensil in a different manner than normal since you got the burn? That’s the only link I can think of.

However, having arthritis in my lower thumb joint elicits the same response if I over do anything! When I sew, be it by hand or by machine I find gripping a needle or spreading my hands feeding fabric under the machine needle will leave my thumb hurting fiercely if I then try to spread out my fingers. Opening Jars can be a challenge too. They open just fine but I pay for my thrills afterwards. LOL

I’ve never used any tape or bandage to help relieve the pain. I just try avoid any moments which causes my thumb to hyper extend for a few days and it all goes back to normal. I also do some gentle stretching exercises for my hands daily which helps. But it certainly couldn’t hurt if you wanted to keep your thumb comfortable in an Ace bandage for parts of the day.
If it continues to get worse or you develop what’s called a Trigger Finger, you might want to have it checked by a physician or orthopedic doctor. Good luck!

No I think the burn link is probably a red herring no I suppose is possible it is alter the way I hold my hand. I do have a problem with triggering but that is in my middle finger. I think I will wrap it Up for some of the day particularly when I'm using my hands a lot

The most common problem with a thumb that gives the pain you describe is arthritis in the CMC (carpal metacarpal) joint at the base of the thumb. One really helpful device is the "thumb spica" splint, made of neoprene and Velcro. There are several variations, so a visit with a hand therapist to try them and choose the best for you is a good idea. These are more effective than an Ace bandage because they also support and warm the hand and thumb. When the pain can no longer be relieved with the brace and antiinflammatories, or if the joint becomes unstable, it is sometimes necessary to have repair surgery.
Sue

Hi there "lotsofpain". I have had the same thumb joint problems. There are thumb "splints" or braces with velcro that you can wrap around your thumb so that it is held in a non-painful position. Your PT may have one or two for you to try. I always had good luck talking to the PA on the team. You can also rub a 3:1 (CBD/THC) balm for chronic pain on your thumb. That really helps. What have you been using? Have you considered surgery? I have not had any trouble since I had "anchovy" surgery on my left hand. It is an older process but still used.......because it works. The ligament that runs up your arm is cut and rolled up to fit in the empty thumb joint space. I am totally pleased with the result.

May you be content and at peace.
Chris

When I move my thumb away from my body or try to grab something I get pain in the highlighted area and a little bit in my forearm. A firm bandage or tape relieves the pain. I think its the MCP joint. What can I do about it

Hi @lotsofpain, sorry to hear you are still having pain in your thumb. You will see that I moved your post to the previous discussion that you started on thumb pain. I did this so you can re-connect with the people who responded to you and they don't have to find another post. I'd like to invite back @artscaping, @sueinmn, and @loribmt to the conversation.

@lotsofpain, have you seen an orthopedic physician for this yet?

Have you seen an orthopedic or hand surgeon for diagnosis? Pain from both MCP and CMC joints is similar, treatment differs, but both begin with complete evaluation, progress to hand therapy including splinting, and as a last resort may require surgery.
In each case, strengthening exercises and a properly fitted splint can often help a great deal.
Sue

x rays have shown a fair bit of athritis in thumb joint - so its mostly symptom management. Physio says use compression bandage / taping / wrist brace for periods

Thanks for the image @lotsofpain. If I read it correctly, my source point seems to be further towards my wrist and has a good-sized arthritic spur or lump. At this point, I am trying cortisone but that can only happen a few times a year. If I wasn't having a TKR in August, I would explore a surgical fix just like I did for the other thumb.

Now, here's my secret thumb fixer that I shared with you in my last post. "medical cannabis that I use to control my neuropathy pain." Works like a charm and stops those reaching and grabbing related pains. Let us know what your clinician has told you "other than there is nothing you can do?" Would you consider seeking a second opinion?

Thumbs are important elements in our bag of tools. We need to keep them working.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

@lotsofpain, @sueinmn, @loribmt, @artscaping, I can't believe this thumb thread popped up today, just when I need it. What's next for @artist01, you say! I know! I began having quite severe pain in the CMC joint (?) of my left hand this past weekend, with a pronounced lump at that joint and progressive swelling down my inner thumb toward the next joint where my thumb joins my hand. The swelling is now creeping up my wrist about an inch and a half. Can't grasp or pick up anything without a yelp and inability to complete the action. Looking at the pictures of splints that Chris @artscaping posted, I feel they would ease things somewhat. My doc is scheduled to phone today so I'll tell her about my latest malady. Signed, "Calamity Jane"!