Perhaps we would not even think about it, but the thumb is exposed to various types and origins of injuries, such as arthritis, rheumatism, sprains, etc. Most of them typically involve significant pain, swelling, and intense inflammation. Since the thumb plays an irreplaceable role in gripping, such diseases can make everyday tasks, like writing or holding a mug extremely challenging. Additionally, participation in sports might need to be avoided for several weeks. Regarding the symptoms, it is essential to clarify questions about the typical signs of each condition and consider suitable treatment methods.
Thumb Inflammation
Our fingers are constantly exposed to certain level of stress, and the thumb is no exception. As we use our thumb in a significant portion of manual movements, the joint can quickly become inflamed when subjected to excessive stress. This type of discomfort is referred to as arthritis, a specific form of osteoarthritis. If we don’t pay sufficient attention to this problem, even the small cartilages in the thumb joints may suffer. Several signs may indicate arthritis, including:
- swelling
- weakness in the thumb
- continuous discomfort
- reduced range of motion
- various degrees of pain, especially during bending
- instability.
If we experience some of these symptoms, it is crucial that we should not wait. Make an appointment and visit a rheumatologist as soon as possible. Ignoring this problem and “burying our heads in the sand” only increases the risk of developing serious joint diseases, which can pose a significant threat not only to our health but also to our overall lifestyle in the future.
Rheumatism
Although we can slow down the degree of joint wear with careful attention, we can never completely stop the process. The reason is that we put our bones under stress even during the smallest movements, and the joint surfaces wear to some extent as a result of performing these movements. It may sound strange, but even simple motions like typing, clicking, drawing, or holding a mug or glass can lead to some wear. This process tends to accelerate over time – our cartilages gradually lose elasticity and become dehydrated with the passing years, increasing the risk of injuries.
To know when we are also “at risk,” it is essential to be aware of factors that significantly increase the likelihood of cartilage damage. Serious risk factors may include:
- a previous bone fracture,
- jobs and activities that heavily and unilaterally load our fingers – such as computer work,
- overweight,
- joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The signs of the abovementioned problem are visible:
- swelling,
- warmth sensation,
- additionally, the typical popping sound may indicate that we have rheumatism.
Thumb sprain
A thumb sprain is a mechanical injury in which the ligaments inside are damaged due to some strong impact. Typically, skiers, those involved in combat sports, and ball game players are at a higher risk, but it is not uncommon for such an injury to occur due to an accident, such as an unfortunate stumble.
In the affected area:
- swelling,
- intense pain,
- sensitivity to pressure,
- and a hematoma develops.
In the case of a sprain, the doctor takes X-rays of the injured area to determine whether there is a ligament tear or fracture. If either of these cases exists, there is a high likelihood that the injury can only be corrected through surgical intervention. Otherwise, a simple plaster cast or splint may be sufficient. In traditional treatment, recovery typically takes about 4 weeks.
We can do contribute to recovery
The appropriate treatment method is always prescribed by the doctor, and it is crucial not to deviate from it. Remember: even if the pain is not as severe, our thumb is far from being considered recovered, so we should avoid movements that could cause a recurrence of the injury. Moreover, we can contribute to speeding up the recovery process and we should:
- perform muscle-strengthening exercises,
- attend physical therapy sessions,
- consider acquiring a wrist stabilizer to relieve the injured area,
- use stabilizing tape to preserve the stability of our thumb,
- consider performing targeted therapeutic exercises for complete rehabilitation.
