Have you ever experienced pain in your thumb and wondered the cause of the pain? Thumb pain is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from a mild ache to a severe, debilitating pain that makes it difficult to use your hand. In this article, we list the causes of thumb pain and remedies to treat it at home.
Common Causes of Thumb Pain
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Overuse of the thumb, such as repetitive gripping or typing motions, can lead to RSI, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the thumb joint and surrounding tissues.
- Thumb Arthritis: Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the thumb joint, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Thumb arthritis often develops gradually over time and may worsen with age.
- Thumb Sprain or Strain: An injury to the ligaments or muscles in the thumb, such as a sprain or strain, can result from sudden impact, twisting, or overextension of the thumb joint, causing pain and limited mobility.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, known as carpal tunnel syndrome, can cause pain, numbness, and tingling sensations that may radiate to the thumb and fingers.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the thumb, known as tendonitis, can occur due to repetitive movements or direct trauma, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area.
According to a 2024 study, regularly engaging with electronic devices that necessitate thumb usage can worsen thumb strain. Moreover, adopting awkward postures while using these devices increases the likelihood of musculoskeletal issues. The discomfort felt in the thumb and wrist from frequent interactions with smartphone apps can escalate existing discomfort in these areas, as navigating screens demands intricate movements of the thumb and fingers.
Also Read: Thumb And Wrist Pain Have Several Causes: Here’s All You Need To Know
Home Remedies for Thumb Pain Relief
Ice Therapy
You can apply an ice pack or cold compress to the affected thumb for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and swelling. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin and avoid frostbite.
Heat Therapy
Alternating between cold and heat therapy can help alleviate thumb pain and promote the relaxation of tight muscles. Apply a warm compress or soak your thumb in warm water for 10-15 minutes to improve blood circulation and ease stiffness.
Gentle Exercises
It is also important that you perform gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the thumb to improve flexibility and mobility. Simple exercises, such as thumb circles, thumb stretches, and grip exercises, can help alleviate pain and prevent stiffness.
Rest and Immobilisation
You should give your thumb proper rest by avoiding activities that aggravate pain and inflammation. Immobilise the thumb joint using a splint or brace to prevent further injury and promote healing.
Also Read: Decoding Spinal Cord Injuries: Expert Lists Types And Levels Of Injury
Elevation
Elevate your hand above heart level to reduce swelling and improve circulation to the affected thumb. You can prop your hand up on pillows or cushions while resting to facilitate drainage of excess fluid and promote healing.
Topical Pain Relief
Apart from the above tips, apply over-the-counter pain-relieving creams or ointments containing ingredients like menthol or capsaicin to the affected thumb to provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
When to Seek Medical Attention
According to the National Health Services (NHS-UK), you should seek medical attention if:
- Difficulty performing normal activities due to thumb pain
- Increasing or recurring pain
- Lack of improvement after two weeks of home treatment
- Experience tingling or loss of sensation in the hand
- Diabetes diagnosis, which can exacerbate hand problems
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only, hence, we advise you to consult with your expert if you are dealing with any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]