This pain could be a symptom of thumb injury or overuse, basal joint arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, pain at the base of your thumb can be caused by injuries to the ligaments at the lower part of your hand and in your wrist.
What to do if your hand hurts when you move it?
Treating hand and wrist pain
Applying heat or ice to the sore area can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve movement. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or pain relievers might help if needed. Try modifying your activities to give your achy hands or wrists a rest.
Why does my arm hurt when I move my thumb?
Thumb tendonitis (De Quervain’s tenosynovitis) causes pain in tendons around the base of the thumb, on the inside of the wrist and forearm. Some doctors call it De Quervain’s tendinosis. Both terms refer to inflammation along the thumb.
When should I be concerned about hand pain?
A person should see a doctor for severe, persistent, or reoccurring pain in the hands or wrists. See a doctor for hand pain that: does not get better with home treatment. gets steadily worse.
What are the symptoms of tendonitis in the thumb?
- Pain near the base of your thumb.
- Swelling near the base of your thumb.
- Difficulty moving your thumb and wrist when you’re doing something that involves grasping or pinching.
- A “sticking” or “stop-and-go” sensation in your thumb when moving it.
How can I check myself for carpal tunnel?
You hold your arms out in front of you and then flex your wrists , letting your hands hang down for about 60 seconds. If you feel tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers within 60 seconds, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome.
How can I stop my hand from hurting when I write?
- Use proper technique. When using an instrument that requires repetitive hand movements, use proper form to avoid causing your muscles to move unnaturally.
- Do not push through fatigue. If you’re tired, take a break.
- Increase hand movements incrementally.
When should I see a doctor for thumb pain?
People should see a doctor if their thumb pain is persistent, or severe, or impacts their ability to perform daily tasks and activities .
What does it mean when your thumb muscle hurts?
Pain in your thumb could be a sign of injury, overuse, or arthritis . Treatment for mild pain usually involves at-home care and painkillers. In some cases, though, persistent thumb pain may be a sign of an underlying condition or an injury that needs more invasive treatments, such as injections and surgery.
The median nerve, which controls sensation and movement in the thumb and first three fingers, runs through this passageway along with tendons to the fingers and thumb. When it’s pinched or compressed, the result is numbness, tingling, weakness , or pain in the hand, called carpal tunnel syndrome.
Heart problems. Many people associate a heart attack with pain in the left arm. However, some people may feel pain in the right shoulder and arm, or on both sides of the body. Anyone who experiences unexplained arm and shoulder pain alongside any of the following symptoms should call 911 immediately.
What does it mean when your hand hurts for no reason?
Hand pain is one feature of joint inflammation (arthritis) that may be felt in the hand. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the two most common types of arthritis in the hand. Repetitive motion injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, can cause pain in the wrist and hand.
What does arthritis feel like in hands?
Early symptoms of arthritis of the hand include joint pain that may feel “dull,” or a “burning” sensation . The pain often occurs after periods of increased joint use, such as heavy gripping or grasping. The pain may not be present immediately, but may show up hours later or even the following day.
How do I get rid of tendonitis in my thumb?
- Immobilizing your thumb and wrist, keeping them straight with a splint or brace to help rest your tendons.
- Avoiding repetitive thumb movements as much as possible.
- Avoiding pinching with your thumb when moving your wrist from side to side.
- Applying ice to the affected area.
What happens if tendonitis goes untreated?
If tendonitis is left untreated, you could develop chronic tendonitis , a tendon rupture (a complete tear of the tendon), or tendonosis (which is degenerative). Chronic tendonitis can cause the tendon to degenerate and weaken over time.
How can you tell the difference between carpal tunnel and tendonitis?
Tendonitis is from overuse. Tendonitis does have many of the above symptoms that carpal tunnel syndrome has except itching and pain starting gradually. Unlike carpal tunnel syndrome, the pain from tendonitis will be tender directly over the affected tendon .
