Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Pain Under Thumbs?
Question: I have been told by an acupuncturist that the pain I am experiencing in my left hand under my thumb is duquervains . I had carpal tunnel surgery years ago. The pain is really bothering me and want to get to the root of the problem.
Brief Answer:
Can be due to osteoarthritis or sprain also.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
There can be several reasons for pain under the thumb. If you did not have an injury in the area, then its something to do with your tendons or ligaments or due to osteoarthritis. Most common reason is a mild sprain that you must have sustained somehow. If there are symptoms like pain on stretching hand and inability to grip then a tendon inflammation is likely.
This is not due to a nerve related cause.
You need to give it some rest for a while, use hot fomentation twice a day and local ointment for pain relief. Avoid gripping and lifting objects altogether. Keep it in most comfortable position or use a splint/crepe bandage most of the time (including at night) for best results. Watch for worsening of symptoms like increase in pain, appearance of swelling and tingling numbness in the area. If you get any of these, visit your orthopedician and get a check up done followed by investigations like X ray or MRI.
It looks like it will resolve on its own in a couple of days. Do not take medications unless absolutely necessary.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Can be due to osteoarthritis or sprain also.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
There can be several reasons for pain under the thumb. If you did not have an injury in the area, then its something to do with your tendons or ligaments or due to osteoarthritis. Most common reason is a mild sprain that you must have sustained somehow. If there are symptoms like pain on stretching hand and inability to grip then a tendon inflammation is likely.
This is not due to a nerve related cause.
You need to give it some rest for a while, use hot fomentation twice a day and local ointment for pain relief. Avoid gripping and lifting objects altogether. Keep it in most comfortable position or use a splint/crepe bandage most of the time (including at night) for best results. Watch for worsening of symptoms like increase in pain, appearance of swelling and tingling numbness in the area. If you get any of these, visit your orthopedician and get a check up done followed by investigations like X ray or MRI.
It looks like it will resolve on its own in a couple of days. Do not take medications unless absolutely necessary.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
