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What Causes Severe Pain And Difficulty In Moving Or Using Thumb?

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Posted on Thu, 29 Jan 2015
Question: I can hardly move my thumb, I did not anything to it. It has been hurting a little bit for a while but now I can't do anything drink, brush my teeth, wipe, open a door, do my hair. It is a little swollen.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Possible fracture. Requires rest and splinting.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Swelling of thumb with pain, possibility of a fracture, of thumb. Possibly base of thumb.
2. Need to get an X-ray for confirmation. Doubt it could be any arthritis, as other fingers are not involved.
3. At present ibuprofen or other NSAIDS painkillers for pain will help. Splinting of thumb, will reduce further swelling. Thumb will require rest. Further management depends on X-ray findings.

Injury or it could be a sprain. X-ray is necessary. Or absolute rest with splinting for at least a week.

Meet your doctor to get an X-ray done.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (27 minutes later)
My fingers don't hurt now but sometimes my index finger does hurt especially when I am using the mouse for a while. It gets stuck. It has never hurt really bad though
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Basal thumb arthritis - X-ray necessary

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.

Presence of pain in the index finger due to increased mouse use, possibly shows mild features of carpal tunnel syndrome due to abnormal position of mouse use and wrist position.
Need to change the mouse and also look for comfortable position. Mild wrist exercises and finger exercises to strengthen hand and finger muscles will be helpful.
As pain is severe in thumb, basal arthritis or other cause requires evaluation. Splinting and rest, if not helpful, X-ray will be helpful.
Take ibuprofen, rest and exercises of wrist and fingers. Local painkillers sprays can be used.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda

Geriatrics Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2138 Questions

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What Causes Severe Pain And Difficulty In Moving Or Using Thumb?

Brief Answer: Possible fracture. Requires rest and splinting. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for asking. I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows: 1. Swelling of thumb with pain, possibility of a fracture, of thumb. Possibly base of thumb. 2. Need to get an X-ray for confirmation. Doubt it could be any arthritis, as other fingers are not involved. 3. At present ibuprofen or other NSAIDS painkillers for pain will help. Splinting of thumb, will reduce further swelling. Thumb will require rest. Further management depends on X-ray findings. Injury or it could be a sprain. X-ray is necessary. Or absolute rest with splinting for at least a week. Meet your doctor to get an X-ray done.