Ep 38: What's Really Happening When Your Thumb Hurts? How to Test for Thumb Tendonitis

Thumb tendonitis causes pain on the thumb side of your wrist due to inflammation of tendons that connect forearm muscles to the thumb. This common condition affects barbers, new mothers, and others who perform repetitive thumb movements, often coexisting with arthritis at the base of the thumb.• Tendonitis of the thumb side wrist occurs when tendons become inflamed at a friction point where they pass through a compartment• A positive Finkelstein's test (bending wrist toward little finger) indicates thumb tendonitis• Over-the-counter wrist braces often cause more harm than good by placing pressure on inflamed areas• Custom-molded splints properly immobilize without adding pressure to painful structures• Treatment includes rest, specialized splinting, possibly steroid injections, and cold laser therapy• Use cold running water instead of ice packs to reduce inflammation without adding pressure• Morning is the only time heat therapy might be beneficial when inflammation is naturally lower• Surgery may be necessary for cases persisting more than six monthsSupport the showWork with Carl! Check out the website - www.carlpetitto.comSUPPORT THE SHOW HERE: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BM23TS2LDQVFSHello and welcome to the show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto. If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource. Subscribe, listen, and share to help us 'give pain the middle finger for good'! This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions. Thank you, and welcome to the show!