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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Sharp Pain In The Palm Of Hand Near Thumb, Tightness In Area. Due To Excessive Computer Usage?

I have had a small sharp pain in the palm of my hand near my thumb for the past few days. The area around my thumb feels a little tight. I haven t changed my usual routine or anything. I believe the pain has probably been caused by using the computer for too long. I m wondering if this is something to worry about or if it should go away within a week.
posted on Fri, 7 Dec 2012
Twitter Sun, 9 Dec 2012 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 10 Dec 2012 Last reviewed on
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for writing your query to us.

For every pound of pressure that you push at the tip of your thumb, it is magnified at the base of your thumb, called the carpometacarpal joint (CMC).
Over time, repeated thumb use or injury can lead to problems: joint issues and nerve issues. In the most serious cases, excessive wear and tear and inflammation of the basal joint of the thumb can lead to osteoarthritis of the thumb. Thumb arthritis can cause hand pain, swelling, decreased strength and range of motion.
Basal joint arthritis (commonly called CMC or thumb arthritis) occurs as a result of wear and tear on the joint at the base of the thumb — the carpometacarpal joint, CMC.It is more likely to occur, and at a younger age, if you have fractured or injured your thumb. Or, as presently seen, over use of the thumb by excessive texting. Repeatedly gripping, twisting, or turning objects with the thumb and fingers may make the arthritis worse.
1. Avoiding activities that cause pain, if possible for few days.
2. Take Painkiller medicines.
3. Using a splint to support the thumb and wrist.

Follow this if pain does not decrease than kindly consult your treating doctor.
Wish you good health.
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Sharp Pain In The Palm Of Hand Near Thumb, Tightness In Area. Due To Excessive Computer Usage?

Hello, Thanks for writing your query to us. For every pound of pressure that you push at the tip of your thumb, it is magnified at the base of your thumb, called the carpometacarpal joint (CMC). Over time, repeated thumb use or injury can lead to problems: joint issues and nerve issues. In the most serious cases, excessive wear and tear and inflammation of the basal joint of the thumb can lead to osteoarthritis of the thumb. Thumb arthritis can cause hand pain, swelling, decreased strength and range of motion. Basal joint arthritis (commonly called CMC or thumb arthritis) occurs as a result of wear and tear on the joint at the base of the thumb — the carpometacarpal joint, CMC.It is more likely to occur, and at a younger age, if you have fractured or injured your thumb. Or, as presently seen, over use of the thumb by excessive texting. Repeatedly gripping, twisting, or turning objects with the thumb and fingers may make the arthritis worse. 1. Avoiding activities that cause pain, if possible for few days. 2. Take Painkiller medicines. 3. Using a splint to support the thumb and wrist. Follow this if pain does not decrease than kindly consult your treating doctor. Wish you good health.