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Suggest Treatment For Swelling In The Thumb

Posted on Mon, 1 Aug 2016

Question: The right hand thumb is swollen and since today I cannot bend the upper joint. The thumb as a whole I can move and have inconvenience while writing. No pain if I don't bend back the thumb. Please your advice

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thumb joint Osteoarthritis mange NSAIDs, splint

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

It appears that you hedge Osteoarthritis of the thumb joint.

You can try taking pain killers like Tablet Ibuprofen 400 mg twice a day for 5 days after meals and Tablet Ranitidine 150mg twice a day for 5 days before meals.

Wear a thumb spica splint. Avoid pinching and grasping activities with the affected hand.

You may need a steroid shot after 4 months for better relief.

Do get an X ray and upload for my review, if possible.

Thanks and regards.

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (21 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Aashish XXXXXXX for your opinion.
Next are my comments:
1.- As far as I was instructed by a hand sugeon, I have no arthritis in the thumb.
2.- As far as I have no pain I will not take the pain killers you indicate:Ibuprofen
and Ranitidine.
3.- Agree to avoid pinching or grasping and wear a splint.
4.- I do will make an Xray, but I believe it has something to do with the ligament of the thumb.
regards, Andres Sadde

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be ulnar collateral ligament injury

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the reply.

There may be avulsion or tear of the ulnar collateral ligament.

Am MRI will help confirm the diagnosis. You can wear the thumb spica splint. The healing would take 4-6 months.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (16 hours later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX
I changed my mind and will take Ibuprofen, because its also an anti inflammatory. Also I do believe there is a ligament damage, and understand that it will take several months to heal. Will see the possibility to make an MRI and use a splint.
Appreciate your help,
Andres.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regular follow up on your progress

Detailed Answer:
Thank you. Good luck. Do follow up on your progress.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj