Hello, dear friends from the Latin community in the UK. I am Fredy Espin, a physiotherapist at Fisio Sport, and today I want to talk to you about a topic that might be more common than you think, which has presented itself in some of our patients, and I consider it important to address, especially among those who spend many hours working in offices or in cleaning services: the pain in the thumb when bending.
First of all, I want you to know that you are not alone. Many of you have felt that annoying pain in the right or left thumb without any apparent reason, which gradually diminishes your quality of life. This can be worrisome, especially when the thumb pain appears out of nowhere and makes it difficult for us to perform simple tasks such as typing on the computer or holding a phone.
Therapeutic Exercise Video for Thumb Pain
Discover how to relieve thumb pain with our exercise routine at FisioSport. Our video will guide you through effective techniques to reduce discomfort at the base of the thumb and strengthen your hand. Perfect for those suffering from the constant use of mobile devices or manual tasks. Start improving your well-being today with safe and easy-to-follow exercises from home!
Causes of Thumb Pain
But what causes this pain? Often, the pain in the thumb near the wrist or the pain running from the thumb to the wrist can be the result of tendon inflammation, known as tendinitis, or a condition called rhizarthrosis, which is osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb. These conditions can be caused by repetitive movements or by holding a phone for long periods, which explains why some of you experience thumb pain from phone use.
It is important to pay attention to the signals our body sends us. If you feel pain in the thumb on the palm side or pain at the top of the thumb, it’s time to take action. And if the thumb pain shoots up the arm, this could indicate that the nerves or nearby structures are also being affected.
Here are some simple tips to alleviate the pain
Because at Fisio Sport we care about managing your pain, as a complement to the previous video in this article, we share with you some complementary practices that will be very useful in managing your pain.
- Rest: If your work is demanding, try to take short breaks and perform gentle stretches for your fingers and wrist.
- Heat or cold: Applying heat or cold packs can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Exercises: Strengthening and stretching exercises specifically for the hand and thumb can be very beneficial. Consult with a physiotherapist for a suitable routine.
- Ergonomics: Ensure that your workspace is properly adapted to avoid forced postures.
- Splints: In some cases, the use of splints to immobilize the thumb may be advisable to give it a rest and facilitate recovery.
Thumb Arthritis, Is It Possible That I Have It?
This is a common problem, especially as we age, thumb arthritis, a condition that does not distinguish between nationalities and that can affect any of us, especially those who have dedicated our lives to manual work or activities that demand a lot from our hands, including myself.
As you know, our carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, located at the base of the thumb, is essential for so many daily tasks. But over time, the cartilage that protects and facilitates the movement of our bones can wear out, leading us to suffer from arthritis in this crucial area.
The pain that accompanies this condition can be more than a simple annoyance. It can be a sharp pain that wakes us up, that becomes present when performing actions as simple as opening a jar of our delicious sauce or turning the key to our home. Inflammation, loss of strength, and decreased range of motion can turn every day into a constant challenge.
I want you to know that you are not alone in this. There are treatments available that can help relieve pain and improve the function of our hands. From medications to splints that offer support, each option can make a significant difference in our quality of life. And in more severe cases, surgery may be a way to regain mobility and reduce pain.
For those seeking more information and resources, I recommend the book “Mayo Clinic Guide to Arthritis,” which, although not specifically focused on our community, offers a wealth of useful knowledge on arthritis in general.
Let’s not allow pain to take away what we love most: cooking, creating, embracing our loved ones. Let’s be attentive to the first symptoms, such as inflammation or stiffness at the base of the thumb, and do not hesitate to seek professional help if we notice that our strength when pinching or holding objects decreases or if we see changes in the appearance of our joints, and if you need a professional consultation, do not forget to write to us.
When to Consult a Specialist?
If the pain persists or intensifies, it is vital that you seek the help of a professional. Should the discomfort not improve after having tried the aforementioned tips, or, worse still, if it worsens, it is a sign that you require a more detailed evaluation. Moreover, if you notice your wrist becoming stiffer, limiting movement and flexibility, it is important not to ignore these symptoms.
Another indicator that it is time to see a specialist is if you experience an increase in numbness or tingling in the wrist and fingers. These sensations could be indicative of nerve compression or circulation issues. Particularly concerning is if your fingers turn white or purple, which could suggest a condition known as Raynaud’s phenomenon, requiring immediate medical attention.
Do not let thumb pain prevent you from carrying out your daily activities. At Fisio Sport, we are here to help you regain your well-being and to teach you how to take care of your hands and wrists. Therefore, you can visit us at one of our locations at 177 OLD KENT ROAD, LONDON, SE1 5NA or at 126A SEVEN SISTERS ROAD LONDON, N7 7NS. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can reach out to us on WhatsApp at 7471173557. Until next time, take great care!
