Why Thumb Finger Pain?
Thumb pain stems from various causes, ranging from minor injuries to more serious conditions. Everyday activities can cause wear and tear on the thumb's carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, leading to inflammation and pain—a condition known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. Other common culprits include:
-
Arthritis: This is a prevalent cause, particularly osteoarthritis, affecting the CMC joint at the base of the thumb. Pain often worsens with gripping or pinching. (Mayo Clinic)
-
Trigger Thumb/Finger: This condition involves a tendon in the thumb becoming inflamed and causing a locking or catching sensation. Pain and stiffness can accompany this. (AAOS, Cleveland Clinic)
-
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the thumb can lead to pain, especially during movement.
-
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: While primarily affecting the wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the thumb and other fingers. (Medical News Today, Cleveland Clinic)
-
Injuries: Sprains, fractures, or other injuries to the thumb can cause immediate and intense pain. (NHS, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS)
-
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: This involves inflammation of tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, resulting in pain and difficulty moving the thumb. (Medical News Today)
-
Skier's Thumb: A specific injury to the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb, commonly seen in skiers.
Understanding the CMC Joint
The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is the base joint of the thumb, enabling opposition (touching the thumb to other fingers). Normal daily use can lead to wear and tear, ultimately causing osteoarthritis and pain. (Source from Feb 1, 2021).
