Four reasons for thumb sided wrist pain

Thumb-sided wrist pain can stem from various conditions or injuries affecting the structures in that area. Here are four potential reasons for thumb-sided wrist pain:

Trigger Thumb (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Trigger thumb occurs when the flexor tendon becomes inflamed, causing the thumb to “catch” or lock in a bent position. While the primary symptom is the catching or snapping of the thumb, it can cause discomfort and pain along the thumb side of the wrist due to the affected tendon’s location.

CMC OA (Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis): Osteoarthritis affecting the carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the thumb and thumb-sided wrist. This condition leads to degeneration of the joint cartilage, resulting in discomfort during thumb movement and activities involving the thumb.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: De Quervain’s tenosynovitis involves inflammation of the tendons around the base of the thumb, leading to pain and swelling in the thumb side of the wrist. Repetitive hand movements, such as lifting, grasping, or twisting, often exacerbate symptoms.

Scaphoid Fracture: A fracture of the scaphoid bone, one of the small bones in the wrist near the thumb, can cause pain and tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist. This type of fracture may result from a fall onto an outstretched hand or other traumatic injuries and can lead to persistent discomfort.

Each of these conditions can cause specific patterns of pain, discomfort, and limitations in thumb and wrist movement. Seeking medical evaluation is crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for thumb-sided wrist pain. Treatment approaches may include splinting, medications, physical therapy, or, in some cases, surgical intervention, depending on the underlying condition. Here at Easy Orthopedics in Colorado Springs, we frequently see and treat patients with thumb sided wrist pain.

Will de Quervain’s tenosynovitis go away on its own?

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, characterized by inflammation of the tendons at the base of the thumb, might improve or resolve on its own in some cases, especially if the condition is mild or in its early stages. However, the likelihood of spontaneous resolution can vary among individuals.

Factors that can influence whether De Quervain’s tenosynovitis resolves on its own include:

Severity of Inflammation: Mild cases might improve with rest and avoidance of aggravating activities. However, more severe or persistent inflammation may require specific treatment.

Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as repetitive thumb movements or lifting, can help reduce irritation and allow the tendons to heal.

Rest and Immobilization: Resting the affected hand and wrist and using a splint or brace to immobilize the thumb and wrist might aid in symptom relief and promote healing.

Anti-inflammatory Measures: Applying ice, using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or performing gentle stretching exercises as recommended by a healthcare professional might alleviate inflammation and discomfort.

While some individuals might experience improvement with self-care measures, others may find that De Quervain’s tenosynovitis persists or worsens despite these efforts. If symptoms persist, become severe, or significantly interfere with daily activities, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Healthcare providers might recommend additional treatments such as corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or, in rare cases, surgery if conservative measures don’t alleviate the symptoms. 

How do you treat trigger thumb?

Treating trigger thumb can involve various approaches aimed at reducing inflammation, improving thumb mobility, and alleviating symptoms. Here are several treatment options commonly used for trigger thumb:

Hand Therapy and Exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises recommended by a healthcare professional or a hand therapist can help improve thumb mobility and reduce triggering.

Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids directly into the affected tendon sheath can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from symptoms.

Trigger Release Surgery: If conservative treatments fail to provide relief or in severe cases, surgery might be recommended. Trigger release surgery involves releasing the affected tendon’s constricted portion to allow it to move freely without catching or locking.

The most suitable treatment approach for trigger thumb depends on the severity of symptoms, individual circumstances, and the healthcare provider’s assessment. In many cases, conservative measures such as stretching and rest manage mild to moderate cases of trigger thumb. However, for persistent or severe cases, a healthcare provider might recommend more aggressive treatments such as injections or surgery to alleviate symptoms and restore thumb function.

How to treat thumb arthritis?

Thumb Carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis can be managed with various treatments aimed at reducing pain, improving function, and slowing down the progression of the condition. Some effective treatment options for thumb CMC arthritis include:

Activity Modification: Avoid activities or movements that exacerbate symptoms. Modify tasks to reduce stress on the thumb joint, and use assistive devices or ergonomic tools to minimize strain.

Thumb Splinting or Bracing: Wearing a splint or brace that supports the thumb and immobilizes the CMC joint can help alleviate pain and provide stability, especially during activities that aggravate symptoms.

Corticosteroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids directly into the CMC joint can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from pain.

Surgery: In cases of severe or debilitating thumb CMC arthritis that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, surgical options such as joint fusion, joint reconstruction, or joint replacement might be considered.

How do you treat a scaphoid fracture?

Treating a scaphoid fracture typically involves approaches aimed at promoting proper healing, reducing pain, and restoring wrist function. The treatment options can vary depending on the fracture’s location, severity, and whether the fracture is displaced or nondisplaced. Here are common treatments for scaphoid fractures:

Immobilization with a Splint or Cast: For nondisplaced or stable fractures, immobilizing the wrist and thumb with a splint or cast is often the initial treatment. This helps prevent movement at the fracture site and promotes healing.

Surgery: In cases of displaced or more severe fractures, surgery might be necessary. Surgical options include:

Internal Fixation: This involves using screws, pins, or wires to hold the broken pieces of bone together while they heal.

Bone Grafting: In some cases where the blood supply to the scaphoid bone is compromised, bone grafting might be necessary to promote healing.

Prompt and appropriate treatment of a scaphoid fracture is crucial to prevent complications such as nonunion (when the bone doesn’t heal properly), arthritis, or long-term wrist problems. If you suspect a scaphoid fracture or experience wrist pain after an injury, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly for proper evaluation and treatment recommendations.

I hope we were able to answer some of your questions about four reasons for thumb sided wrist pain. If you would like us to evaluate your thumb sided wrist pain and are in the Colorado area, contact us below to make an appointment at Easy Orthopedics.