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What Could Severe Pain In Left Thumb Causing Loss Of Grip On Things Indicate?
hello, i m experiencing pain in my left thumb... from the wrist upward to the joint.... this pain started in Dec. i v taken xrays, mri, ot/pt... have a custom splint... i believe this is far more serious... i cannot grip to open bottles, cans, carry anything on instinct, but rather, think and stratigically figure out how to carry or pick something up.
posted on
Thu, 30 Apr 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 2 Mar 2023
Answered on
Wed, 29 Mar 2023
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Severe pain in the left thumb, particularly if it is causing a loss of grip on things, could be indicative of several conditions. Some of the possibilities include:
* De Quervain's tenosynovitis: This is a condition that causes inflammation in the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty gripping.
* Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, is compressed at the wrist. It can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the thumb and other fingers, as well as weakness and difficulty gripping.
* Trigger finger: This condition causes one or more fingers to become stuck in a bent position, and can be painful and make it difficult to grip objects.
* Arthritis: Arthritis in the thumb joint can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, and can make it difficult to grip objects.
* Tendinitis: Tendinitis in the thumb can cause pain and difficulty gripping, particularly when the thumb is moved or pressure is applied.
* Nerve damage: Nerve damage in the hand or wrist can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty gripping, among other symptoms.
Given that you have had an x-ray, MRI, OT/PT, and a custom splint without much improvement, it may be worth seeing a specialist such as a hand surgeon or a neurologist for further evaluation and management.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Severe pain in the left thumb, particularly if it is causing a loss of grip on things, could be indicative of several conditions. Some of the possibilities include:
* De Quervain's tenosynovitis: This is a condition that causes inflammation in the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. It can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty gripping.
* Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, is compressed at the wrist. It can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the thumb and other fingers, as well as weakness and difficulty gripping.
* Trigger finger: This condition causes one or more fingers to become stuck in a bent position, and can be painful and make it difficult to grip objects.
* Arthritis: Arthritis in the thumb joint can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, and can make it difficult to grip objects.
* Tendinitis: Tendinitis in the thumb can cause pain and difficulty gripping, particularly when the thumb is moved or pressure is applied.
* Nerve damage: Nerve damage in the hand or wrist can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty gripping, among other symptoms.
Given that you have had an x-ray, MRI, OT/PT, and a custom splint without much improvement, it may be worth seeing a specialist such as a hand surgeon or a neurologist for further evaluation and management.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Hi,
Severe pain in the left thumb along with loss of grip on things could indicate a condition called De Quervain's tenosynovitis. It is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and swelling in the wrist and base of the thumb. This condition is caused by repetitive motions, such as lifting a baby or using tools and can be exacerbated by activities that require gripping or twisting motions.
Other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis. It is important to continue working with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. This may include rest, ice, splinting, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Severe pain in the left thumb along with loss of grip on things could indicate a condition called De Quervain's tenosynovitis. It is a painful condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and swelling in the wrist and base of the thumb. This condition is caused by repetitive motions, such as lifting a baby or using tools and can be exacerbated by activities that require gripping or twisting motions.
Other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis. It is important to continue working with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and to develop an appropriate treatment plan. This may include rest, ice, splinting, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
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