This has only been happening for 4 weeks. The big joint where thumb meets web of hand has been popping loose. It happens with really mundane things like tying my shoe or getting keys out of coat pocket. It doesn't always happen, maybe once or twice a day.
Since this has started, the other joint just below the nail, has become stiff and inflexible. Now that joint seems arthritic because of stiffness, but the one below is loose, oddly enough.
There is no pain. Only when it pops out, and I have to re-align it, there is briefly some pain, but it goes away.
I take Aleve morning and night now. I'm just worried that this won't heal and will lead to bigger problem. I'm trying to find some clues as to what could possibly be wrong. I don't have health insurance, and so I'd like to avoid going to a specialist at this point. I'd like to try to find some answers and remedies myself, if possible. I'm 42 male.
2006-12-07 11:20:33 · 7 answers · asked by rp 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
It's hard to say exactly why this is happening because you don't give a whole lot of background information, but if your joint is spontaneously dislocating, it is likely due to a ligamentous tear. Ligaments are the connective tissue bands that stabilize joints. One of the more frequent causes of instability of the Metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb (the one you're describing) is known as "gamekeeper's thumb" in which a hyperextension injury of the thumb occurs resulting in an avulsion fracture of the proximal phalanx (first bone in the digit itself) and a free floating ligament. If you had an injury like this to your thumb and can now bend the thumb far out, this may be the cause. It is rare to have spontaneous, non traumatic loosening of the ligaments. There are connective tissue diseases that can cause joint laxity, but these usually involve multiple joints rather than a single one.
As to why your other joint is stiffening, when the MCP joint is out, the tendons of the thumb will pull in an abnormal manner on the Interphalangeal joint (the bend in your thumb). This can lead to joint stiffening and pain, especially when the MCP joint is out of socket.
What you need to do is be evaluated by a trained hand surgeon. These are specialists in the fields of either orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, and sometimes general surgery. You may require an operation to repair ligament injury or laxity. Unfortunately, I think this is something that you'll have to spend on, there aren't any easy fixes for this.
2006-12-08 05:21:25 · answer #1 · answered by tiredsurgeon 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Thumb Joint Popping
2016-12-29 11:27:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thumb Popping
2016-11-07 00:23:09 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get Joint Pain Relief Codes!
2016-07-23 03:37:41 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hypermobility is the proper name for double jointed. it's not a disease or illness to be diagnosed. the reality is that your ligaments supporting your joins are softer and more 'springy' than your average person. can you turn your hand over without moveing your arm? can you touch your toes without bending your knees, even when sitting on the floor? do your fingers and toes bend the wrong way? can you put your leg behind your head? if you can do any or some of these then you are hypermobile which has some benefits but does wear your joints and you have to learn a new way to stand sometimes to put less strain on them.
2016-05-23 04:52:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry if you have no insurance but spending a little extra for your medical care is no big deal. Don't you want to know what's wrong with you? Don't rely on Yahoo answers. Self treatment can lead to more problems for you.
2006-12-08 00:14:26 · answer #6 · answered by Rene B 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Stop sticking it in your backside so often - it can damage it.
You know what I mean. ;)
2006-12-07 11:35:12 · answer #7 · answered by Blimey! 3 · 0⤊ 5⤋