Strengthening the muscles of your thumbs can help you grab and lift heavy things like cans and bottles.
- Put your hand flat on a table.
- Gently move your thumb away from your fingers as far as you can.
- Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and release.
- Repeat 10 to 15 times with both hands.
Can exercises help thumb arthritis?
Gently exercising your fingers and thumbs with a hand workout can improve their range of motion and decrease arthritis symptoms. It’s one of the best ways to maintain function and independence.
How do you rehab your thumb?
Thumb MP flexion
- Place your forearm and hand on a table with your affected thumb pointing up.
- With your other hand, hold the base of your thumb and palm steady.
- Bend your thumb downward where it meets your palm, then straighten it.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
How do I get rid of thumb pain?
How you can ease thumb pain yourself
- rest your thumb when you can.
- put an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) in a towel and place it on your thumb for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- take paracetamol.
- take off any jewellery if your thumb looks swollen.
How can I strengthen my thumb? – Related Questions
What does thumb pain indicate?
When the thumb is not working properly, tasks are more difficult, and we then realize how important the thumb is. There are several causes of thumb pain including: (1) trigger thumb, (2) arthritis, (3) tendonitis, (4) carpal tunnel syndrome, and (5) skier’s thumb.
What does arthritis in thumb feel like?
Pain is the first and most common symptom of thumb arthritis. Pain can occur at the base of your thumb when you grip, grasp or pinch an object, or use your thumb to apply force. Other signs and symptoms might include: Swelling, stiffness and tenderness at the base of your thumb.
What are the first signs of arthritis in thumb?
What are the symptoms of thumb arthritis?
- Swelling and tenderness at the base of the thumb.
- An ache after prolonged use of the thumb.
- Loss of strength when gripping or pinching with your thumb.
- Limited motion.
Will thumb joint pain go away?
While there is no cure for arthritis in your thumb, there are various simple treatments that can help relieve symptoms for many people. Talk with a doctor or physical therapist about which treatments might work best for you.
Should I be worried if my thumb hurts?
Thumb pain can occur as a result of repetitive movements, injury, and systemic inflammatory diseases. Thumb pain itself does not present a significant health risk. However, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a broken bone or arthritis.
How long does thumb pain take to heal?
A mild sprain usually heals within four to six weeks if you wear a splint or cast to immobilize your thumb and refrain from activities that irritate it. A more severe thumb sprain, such as a grade 3 sprain, could take several months before it’s fully healed and you’re able to use your thumb like normal again.
How do I know if I damaged the tendon in my thumb?
If your extensor tendons are damaged, you’ll be unable to straighten one or more fingers. If your flexor tendons are damaged, you’ll be unable to bend one or more fingers. Tendon damage can also cause pain and inflammation (swelling) in your hand.
Why does my thumb hurt when I bend it?
This pain could be a symptom of thumb injury or overuse, basal joint arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, pain at the base of your thumb can be caused by injuries to the ligaments at the lower part of your hand and in your wrist.
Do I need a thumb brace?
A thumb brace can help alleviate pain, increase stability, and take the stress off the joint. People with arthritis may wear a thumb brace if this area of the hand has become affected. Other conditions a person may wear a thumb brace for include: thumb sprain or fracture.
What is the best thumb stabilizer?
A quick look at the best thumb braces for arthritis
- Best overall thumb brace: Mueller Reversible Thumb Stabilizer.
- Best spica brace: Armstrong Amerika Thumb Spica Splint.
- Best push brace: Push MetaGrip CMC Thumb Brace.
- Best lace-up brace: Futuro Thumb Brace.
- Best waterproof brace: Basko Healthcare CMCcare Thumb Brace.
What is the best exercise for thumb arthritis?
Thumb IP flexion
- Place your forearm and hand on a table with your affected thumb pointing up.
- With your other hand, hold your thumb steady just below the joint nearest your thumbnail.
- Bend the tip of your thumb downward, then straighten it.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
How do I get rid of arthritis in my thumb?
Treatment
- Topical medications, such as capsaicin or diclofenac, which are applied to the skin over the joint.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve)
