What kind of doctor for thumb pain

The most frequent causes of pain in the hand are related to a condition that has transpired over time. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of hand pain, it may be time to seek medical treatment from a hand doctor. At The Orthopaedic Group, P. If you are suffering from hand or finger pain or have a hand injury or condition, consult with a hand surgeon at The Orthopaedic Group, P.

Our specialists have the training, expertise, and experience to assess, diagnose, and treat your injury or condition individually to your needs. To request an appointment online with a hand doctor at The Orthopaedic Group, P. As the connections between your bones, your joints in your hands will sustain a certain amount of wear and tear as we age. Remaining pain- and arthritis-free requires practicing good preservation techniques for the joints in your hands.

The following techniques will help you to treat your joints in your hands with care as they age. Treatments for arthritis aim to slow the progression of the disease and manage its symptoms. Some additional treatment options include:. It occurs due to inflammation in the outer part, or sheath, of a tendon within the thumb or finger. A tendon is a band of fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. In trigger finger, inflammation of the tendon sheath causes the thumb or finger to catch or lock in a bent position.

The condition may occur as a result of repetitive use or injury. Sometimes, the condition improves without treatment. However, taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory NSAID drug such as ibuprofen can help to alleviate pain and inflammation.

However, DQT involves inflammation of the tendons, whereas trigger finger involves inflammation of the tendon sheath. Experts do not know the exact cause of DQT. However, repetitive motions or injury can lead to inflammation around the tendons of the wrist. This inflammation then restricts movement of the tendons. DQT is most common among women between 30 and 50 years of age.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow tube of bones and ligaments that sits inside the wrist. A large nerve called the median nerve runs through the carpal tunnel and into the palm. It provides sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome CTS occurs when inflammation of the wrist compresses the median nerve. This can cause a burning or tingling sensation in the thumb and first three fingers. Other symptoms may include:. People who experience mild or intermittent symptoms of CTS may benefit from the following treatments:. People who experience more severe symptoms of CTS may require surgery to sever the affected ligament. This will reduce pressure on the median nerve, thereby helping to alleviate pain.

A splint can support your joint and limit the movement of your thumb and wrist. You might wear a splint just at night or throughout the day and night. If pain relievers and a splint aren't effective, your doctor might recommend injecting a long-acting corticosteroid into your thumb joint. Corticosteroid injections can offer temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation. If you don't respond to other treatments or if you're barely able to bend and twist your thumb, your doctor might recommend surgery.

Options include:. These surgeries can all be done on an outpatient basis. After surgery, you can expect to wear a cast or splint over your thumb and wrist for up to six weeks. Once the cast is removed, you might have physical therapy to help you regain hand strength and movement. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask other questions. Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may leave time to go over points you want to discuss in depth.

You might be asked:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Christopher W. How should you treat these common causes of nontraumatic thumb pain? Use this evidence-based review as a clinical decision-making guide. A Good-quality patient-oriented evidence B Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence C Consensus, usual practice, opinion, disease-oriented evidence, case series. Common as they are, however, there are no consensus guidelines for the treatment of these conditions.