Therapies
- Immobilizing the thumb and wrist, keeping them straight with a splint or brace to help rest the tendons.
- Avoiding repetitive thumb movements as much as possible.
- Avoiding pinching with the thumb when moving the wrist from side to side.
- Applying ice to the affected area.
How long does thumb tendonitis take to heal?
It may take 6 to 12 weeks for your hand to heal completely. After you heal, you may be able to move your wrist and thumb without pain.
What causes tendonitis in the thumb?
De Quervain tenosynovitis affects the two tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. Tendons are ropelike structures that attach muscle to bone. Chronic overuse, such as repeating a particular hand motion day after day, may irritate the covering around the tendons.
How do you strengthen your thumb tendons?
This exercise helps strengthen these joints and the four major tendons that control your thumb.
- Hold your hands out, palms facing you.
- Slowly bend the tip of your thumb down toward the base of your little finger.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds.
- Release, and repeat three times for each thumb.
How do I get rid of tendonitis in my thumb? – Related Questions
Does tendonitis in thumb go away?
You may be able to recover from De Quervain’s tenosynovitis with home treatment. Changing your activity, resting the sore thumb joint, and treating thumb tendonitis with anti-inflammatory medications and heat or ice can improve the pain in a few weeks.
Do thumb tendons heal?
They may place your hand in a splint to protect the injured structures. Tendons cannot heal unless the ends are touching. In most cases, a cut or torn tendon must be repaired by a surgeon. Surgery is usually performed within 7 to 10 days after an injury.
Can weak tendons be strengthened?
Tendons are remarkably strong but prone to injury. Resistance exercise can strengthen tendons, although they take longer to respond than muscles. Studies on mice with mini-treadmills has shown that exercise increases collagen turnover in tendons, as well as encouraging blood flow.
How do you know if you have tendon damage in your 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.
Can finger tendons be strengthened?
New research has revealed a coupled training-nutritional intervention that can increase tendon strength and health. Based on this research, I have developed a simple 6-minute “protective” finger training protocol that will nourish and strengthen your finger flexor tendons and annular pulleys.
What is the fastest way to heal a ligament in your thumb?
Treatment
- Rest. Try not to use your hand for at least 48 hours.
- Ice. Apply ice immediately after the injury to keep the swelling down.
- Compression. Wear an elastic compression bandage to reduce swelling.
- Elevation. As often as possible, rest with your hand raised up higher than your heart.
How do I know if I tore my UCL in my thumb?
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of thumb UCL injuries usually include one or more of the following: Pain and tenderness over the joint at the base of the thumb. Thumb joint swelling / stiffness / bruising. Sensation of weakness or “giving way” of the thumb when pinching or gripping.
How do you tape a thumb with ligament damage?
Start with wrapping a piece of athletic tape around your wrist. Make sure the tape is not too tight and does not restrict blood circulation. With the second piece of tape place one end on your inner wrist and wrap the tape up over your thumb and loop it back down to the back of your wrist.
When should I go to the doctor for thumb pain?
the pain in your thumb is stopping you doing normal activities. the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back. the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks. you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your hand.
What kind of doctor treats thumb pain?
A hand specialist is an orthopedic doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders in the hand, wrist, and forearm. They have a profound understanding of the complex networks of blood vessels, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones that make up the hand and fingers.
Why does my thumb joint hurt so badly?
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 are the first signs of arthritis in thumb?
Symptoms
- Swelling, stiffness and tenderness at the base of your thumb.
- Decreased strength when pinching or grasping objects.
- Decreased range of motion.
- Enlarged or bony appearance of the joint at the base of your thumb.
