Thumb pain has multiple causes, including the overuse of the thumb joint, constant repetitive actions of the joint, tendinitis, injury to the joint, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis. Such pain can also cause a loss of...
Skier's thumb -- also referred to as gamekeeper's thumb -- is an injury to the ligament located on the inside of your thumb. This ligament is responsible for movement of your thumb joint and provides stability for the thumb. The American...
Thumb tendinitis, sometimes called De Quervain's tendinitis, is a condition in which the tendons along the thumb side of your wrist and at the base of your thumb become irritated. Many activities, including awkward gripping positions and repeated...
A torn ligament in the thumb usually affects the ulnar collateral ligament, which is used to pinch and grasp. The ulnar collateral ligament also stabilizes the thumb so it doesn't hyper-extend, or bend too far. An ulnar collateral ligament tear is...
Trigger thumb, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that involves the tendons and tendon sheaths in the thumb. Trigger thumb occurs when the patient first bends the finger, and then tries to straighten the finger and the finger...
The human thumb is full of sensitive nerve endings. This allows the thumb perform the most delicate and detailed tasks. It also makes the thumb a focal point for several important pressure points. Applying pressure to these thumb pressure points...
Skier's thumb happens when the ligament that holds the bones together tears. The name comes from skiers who turn their thumbs backwards during a fall or maneuver. This can be a disabling problem, as the thumb controls a large portion of hand...
One common problem with the tendons surrounding the thumb is De Quervain's tendinitis, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This tendinitis can create pain and swelling along the side of the thumb. De Quervain's tendinitis...
If you injure the ligaments and tendons in your thumb it may be strained or sprained and need splinting to reduce pain, immobilize the joints and protect the thumb while it heals. You can purchase thumb splints and supports in pharmacies or use a...
Trigger thumb, also called stenosing tenosynovitis, is caused by a problem with the flexor tendon, which bends the thumb, and the tunnel it moves through. The tunnel is made up of a series of rings, or pulleys, that keep the tendon close to the...
A broken thumb needs medical attention. The thumb contains two bones, the distal and the proximal phalange, that align in the thumb and are surrounded by soft tissue. Swelling occurs at the onset of an injury and may interfere with setting the...
Sprained thumbs usually occur as sports injuries. Sports like volleyball and football are dangerous to fingers because the player uses his hands and also comes in full contact with other players. Sprained thumbs can also be the result of trying...
Taping your thumb for volleyball will protect an injured thumb from further injury. It will also help prevent injury by preventing you from hyperextending your thumb, or bending it backwards. The key to successfully taping your thumb is in...
Trigger thumb, a condition that limits thumb movement in children, is often characterized by a clicking sensation. While the condition is most often treated without surgery in non-severe cases, it can be a source of pain and frustration for your...
Whether you are playing basketball, skiing or sledding, a minor miscalculation can bend your thumb way out of bounds. Although not typically considered a critical injury, thumb hyperextension can be painful and debilitating. The associated pain is...
Trigger thumb is a condition in which the thumb joint locks and does not straighten out when trying to flex the thumb. The medical term for trigger thumb and trigger finger is stenosing tenosynovitis. Stenosing refers to the fact that the sheath...
Damage to the thumb as a result of fractures, sprains, deQuervain's syndrome and other conditions can be painful and cumbersome while healing. Thumb immobilization to achieve healing usually is a good treatment option, and there are numerous...
Stenosing tenosynovitis, or trigger thumb, is an irregularity of the hand caused by painful inflammation of the flexor tendon. A trigger thumb becomes stuck in the bent position, restricting normal extension of the finger. Although pediatric...
Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear breakdown of cartilage in a joint. Osteoarthritis of the thumb can occur with thumb injury or excessive stress from repetitive movements that involve the thumb. This can cause pain, swelling, tenderness or a...
Exercises for the thumb and fingers are important for maintaining good range of motion in the hands. Moving and bending the joints in the hands encourages blood flow and promotes flexibility. Such exercises are especially important if you suffer...
Trigger thumb is a condition that can result in your thumb being bent inwards, toward your palm, or straightened with a snapping movement. According to Orthopod.com, rheumatoid arthritis, partial tendon lacerations, repeated trauma from...
Trigger thumb is a common repetitive strain injury that locks the thumb in a bent position making it difficult to perform everyday tasks, according to the MayoClinic.com. Trigger thumb occurs when the tendon that runs through the thumb...
Stenosing tenosynovitis, commonly known as trigger thumb, is a condition in which the thumb becomes locked in a bent position. Due to irregularities of the underlying tendon, a child with stenosing tenosynovitis has difficulty extending the thumb...
Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, one of the structures that holds your joints together. Thumb tendinitis, a condition called DeQuervain's syndrome, is the inflammation of the tendon that is located where your thumb connects to your...
Thumb injuries can take on many forms -- including dislocation, sprains or fractures. Depending on the severity of your injury, it may take weeks or months for your thumb to heal. As part of your rehabilitation process, you may be referred to a...
The thumb has a loose joint mechanism that allows it a wide range of mobility. This makes it vulnerable to injury. Due to the close proximity of muscles, ligaments and tendons, identifying a sprain or strain can be difficult. A sprain involves...
When the human papillomavirus, or HPV, infects the skin on your thumb, it causes a common wart to develop. Warts grow in the surface layers of the skin, so they are seldom very deep; however, they can be large, persistent and difficult to remove....
Ingrown nails can occur anywhere on the body. But when the nails develop on the thumb, they can be very painful and difficult to tolerate while continuing through your daily routine. Depending on the severity of the ingrown nail, you may be able...
Tendinitis is characterized by pain, inflammation and swelling of the tendons, rubbery cords that attach muscles to bones. It can affect any tendon but commonly affects the shoulder, fingers, thighs, back of the heels and elbows and is caused by...