pain in wrist and thumb area?

Question

I have had this on and off for 16 years now but the last time i had it bad was a few years ago and now it's back again. i have terrible pain in my wrist and the base of my thumb, it hurts when i pick something heavy up and if i pick something up at the wrong angle, the pain is really bad, the pains can sometimes go all the way up my arm and has kept me awake at night at time, this has been going on for 3 days now.a bandage helps a little bit, but as soon as i take it off it hurts again. i know it's not carpal tunnel syndrome, because i know these symptoms, but i dont know the name of this.

Answer 1

Tendinitis... there isn't really a cure... only anit-inflamatories.

Answer 2

Hi well i cant believe you have suffered with this on and off for the past 16 years,why havent you been to your Gp about this.I can tell you what it may be,as im a orthopaedic plaster technician so we see these problems like this all the time as well as fractures too.It could be Tendinitis this is a something which comes and goes and lasts for yrs without the right treatment,Arthritis is the next these days there isnt alot they can do about this,the right medication,a scaffoid fracture have you injuried yourself many years ago? Scaffoid fractures are a very painful fracture and if not treated with a plaster cast or a minor op if chipped the pain will always be there and the fracture will not heal,Game keepers Thumb also is another painful joint which travels up the arm.Now you need to see your Gp he will probably prescribe you with pain killers or inflammatry tablets and send you away.If no better go bck to hime he should then send you to your nearest hospital to be seen by the orthopaedic team,they will x-ray ist to rule out any sort off fracture,then the trteatment will go from there.Also you can buy splints for the scaffoid area these help alot there called a futura splint but make sure you get the splint with the thumb included,you can get these at some chemist and boots or ask your gp he may refer you to the appliance dept in your local hospital.Well good luck and dont leave it no more go see your gp.Email me if you like and tell me how you get on if you like.

Answer 3

All those above answers are correct possibilities:

Tendonitis (enthesitis)
Recurrent/Chronic Ligamentous sprain
Arthritis of the hand - osteoarthritis - various forms of rheumatoid arthritis - gout - psoriatic arthritis - SLE etc.

Small outside chance you might have malunion of a scaphoid fracture or some other bony injury that has not healed and now gives ongoing pain. Given that it has been going on for 16 years, usually this will have resolved and become more of an arthritis problem.

If this has not been x-rayed it may well be worthwhile getting an x-ray.

Answer 4

there could be a variety of things that could be happening in your hand. the main thing is asking the mechanism of injury or how did it happen? if you had a nerve deficit there would be more going on with your hand such as sensory, motor, etc. another thing we can ruled out is a fracture. you have many bones in your hand and the one being injured commonly is the scaphoid. since, it's been 16 years i doubt it's a fracture and you would know. the only thing that i can think of is simple tendinitis. tendinitis means inflammation of the tendon. there is a mnemonic used to treat sport related injuries and its Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. (R.I.C.E.) you got the compression part down and it seems to relieve your pain, but the main management would be rest. resting your hand is the only way it will fully recover. NSAID's or Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs will help with pain and swelling. such as motrin, tylenol, and naprosyn. make sure to eat before taking an NSAID, because it causes stomach irritation. hope you get better.

Answer 5

I cannot identify the exact condition you have, but it could be any of the following: a soft tissue injuries, ligament strain, Gamekeeper's thumb, osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease.

There is a non-bulky product called a tether thumb stabilizer that still allows you to move your fingers but limits the MP joint of the thumb from moving into uncomfortable directions. Some stabilizers also come with a thermal lining which provides warmth to the thumb area and joint.

Good luck!

Angela

Answer 6

I had the same thing a few years ago and it was excrutiating. I went to an urgent care center and they sent me to the ER - fearing it was a staph infection or gout. It was neither. I ended up going to an orthopedic doctor who prescribed physical therapy. 8 weeks of that didn't do a lot, and it eventually got better on its own when I kept it immobized most of the time and only did range of motion exercises. Bottom line: go to a doctor so they can rule out something sinister -good luck

Answer 7

Am not sure why you think its not "Carpel Tunnel Syndrome" but I am a Neuro Nurse - my Ward does surgery for this, and it sounds that way to me - night pain is a classic,
Alternatively, it is possible it could be referred pain form a trapped nerve in your neck which causes pains into the arms and hands.
Worth getting it checked out as trapped nerves left untreated will have permenamt damage = pain and limb weakness

Answer 8

Sounds to me like a classic case of osteo-arthritis in the joints. Is there any apparent inflammation around the thumb joint? The pain going up the arm is also classic of this. And yes, it can cause havoc at night when you are more receptive to such pain. I have had it myself and know just how sharp and invasive the pain is. Such pain can be restricted to one joint or may travel. Suggest you see your doctor for a diagnosis as it is clearly very painful for you.

Answer 9

Arthritis, hon. I have it in both lower thumb areas from riding a motorbike, but it can develop even if you dont have bad habits like that. Have a word with your GP, he should be able ro advise onn exercises you can do, and painkillers, as you really need those- sometimes it hurts till your eyes run!!!!!

Answer 10

Ask your doctor about an exercise routine. Regular exercise, such as walking three times a week, may reduce neuropathy pain, improve your muscle strength and help control blood sugar levels. Gentle routines such as yoga and tai chi might also help.

Answer 11

Could it be Repetitive Strain Injury, you know when you use it over and over again. I have the same problem and using the mouse isn't helping it one bit. I have to elevate my arm on a cushion in bed as I can't seem to relax it, and I know what you mean about it going up your arm.