Both Of My Thumbs Have Been Clicking And Popping Lately

Posted on Fri, 29 May 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 30 May 2020 Answered on

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Both of my thumbs have been clicking and popping lately also they are painful

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pain indicates medical attention.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query. I have read it and understand your concern.

Popping of the joint is mostly due to breaking (synovial fluid) of normal gas bubbles present from fluid in joint.(synovial fluid)/ snapping of tendons over the joint surface...It is painless & a normal thing to occur.

But when it's associated with pain, it needs attention.

It can be due to inflammation or injury to the tendons or ligaments attached to joint due to overuse or trauma./ some times it is roughened joint surfaces that rub on each other while moving to cause the symptoms.

* Home care-to manage pain.-
- Give rest to the part
-Cold pack
-Put a compression bandage
-Elevate it if there is swelling.
-Over the counter pain medicine like Ibuprofen can be taken to relieve pain.

* Even if the pain is controlled, consultation of the orthopedic surgeon would help in understanding & treating the basic cause and preventing arthritis in the future.

I hope that helps. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee