(no subject)

[the_rck]

I think I have tendinitis in my right thumb, in the area between the bottom joint and the wrist. Gripping things hurts. Hitting the space bar when I type hurts. I'm not sure what to do-- I'm supposed to avoid NSAIs due to my stomach problems, and resting the thumb is difficult. I'm right handed, and there are a lot of things I do that I can't do with just my left hand.

I've been trying to think what I've done recently that's unusual that would cause this. When I get tendinitis, it's usually an RSI problem, but I haven't done anything new or unusual.

Comments

[adrian-turtle.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry. It's awful to have problems with your dominant hand. So much of life depends on having opposable thumbs. If you can't use NSAIDs, it can still be helpful to ice the hand to bring down the swelling.

I also recommend using a rest reminder program like this: http://www.workrave.org/ You can set the timer for frequent or infrequent breaks, but the great value of it (for me) is how it gets me past the problem of "Oh, I wasn't working very long, I was goofing off, I should keep going and finish this before I take a break..." The program measures how long I have my hands on the keyboard, whether I'm working or goofing off. And then it tells me to rest.

[the_rck]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into the program.

I'm hesitant to use ice on my hands. It would be very easy to injure myself doing that. There is no visible swelling.

[stfg.livejournal.com]

I wonder if you have something called DeQuervain's Tenosynovits. The tendon going to your thumb goes through a tendon sheath and that sometimes gets inflamed. The usual first-line treatment is a thumb spica splint that immobilizes your thumb, but allows you to use the rest of your fingers. Using it gives the inflammation in the tendon a chance to calm down. If that doesn't work, maybe a steroid injection in your wrist would help.


Links:

DeQuervain's Tenosynovitis: medicinenet.com/de_quervains_tenosynovitis/article.htm

Google search of thumb spica splint: google.com/#q=thumb+spica+splint

[the_rck]

Thanks for the links!

I'm trying to decide if this is bad enough to warrant mail ordering a splint. It only hurts sometimes, and while I'd hate to ignore it and have it get worse, I'm afraid of spending the money only to have it get better on its own before the splint arrives.

[chorus-of-chaos.livejournal.com]

I know doctors usually recommend ice for this type of problem, but sometimes heat also helps, it increase circulation in the area. If your hands are often cold (like mine are) it can cause the inflammation to be worse because of the reduced circulation. I wear fingerless gloves a lot and they seem to help, they aren't expensive. I think the ones I have on now were 3 bucks, they have little dots on the palms that help me grip things better (like my yonomi tea cup...no handle) Sometimes gentle stretching and flexing of your hands in ways you don't normally use them also help. My aunt used to rub ben gay on her hands (just remember not to rub your face! though the smell should stop you quick enough) when her arthritis was so bad.

[the_rck]

I was reluctant to try ice. It seems too likely to do damage. I can't handle that kind of cold on my hands or feet.

I am considering whether or not this is bad enough to get a brace. Immobilizing the thumb might not be a bad idea, but it's expensive, and I'd probably have to mail order one. I mean, the thumb only hurts sometimes. Sometimes, I'm fine. I tried using an ace bandage to remind me not to move the thumb, but that made it hurt worse because it folded the thumb in. Plus the bandage looked so filthy (washing it helped not in the least. The dirt's too embedded).