Thumb Tendinitis
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- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
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What Is Thumb Tendinitis?
Thumb tendinitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendons in the thumb area. Specifically, the inflammation is caused by friction between the two tendons (the extensor pollicis brevis and the abductor pollicis longus) that run along the thumb within a sheath (tunnel). As a result, the tendons become swollen, restricting movement.
How Does It Occur and What Are the Causes?
There is no specific cause responsible for thumb tendinitis. Usually, the inflammation is caused by:
Overuse, mainly due to the repetition of specific movements
Injury to the wrist or tendon
As a result, the tendons become compressed and develop swelling, which interferes with the smooth movement of the thumb.
What Are the Risk Factors?
Factors that increase the risk of developing thumb tendinitis include:
Manual work
Repetitive wrist movements
Gender: thumb tendinitis is common in women during and after pregnancy due to childcare activities, as pressure is placed on the area (this is why it is also known as “mother’s thumb” tendinitis)
Participation in certain sports activities
People who work with computers
Nurses and healthcare workers in general
Age (individuals aged 30–50 years have a higher likelihood of developing thumb tendinitis)
What Are the Symptoms of Thumb Tendinitis?
The symptoms of thumb tendinitis may range from mild to severe and include:
Severe wrist pain
Severe thumb pain
Difficulty performing simple daily activities
Swelling at the base of the thumb
Tenderness when touching the base of the thumb and wrist
Pain that worsens during the night
In severe cases, the thumb may lock and become unable to move
How Is the Diagnosis Made?
The symptoms of thumb tendinitis may be confused with other wrist conditions. For this reason, the diagnosis should be made by a specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon who will properly assess the condition.
The Orthopaedic Surgeon examines the thumb and wrist to determine whether the patient experiences pain during palpation or passive movement. Subsequently, the doctor discusses the patient’s medical history and the activities they perform.
The Orthopaedic Surgeon will perform an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis.
What Is the Appropriate Treatment?
Treatment of thumb tendinitis depends on the severity of the symptoms. It is divided into conservative treatment and surgical intervention.
Conservative Treatment
Conservative treatment (for mild cases of thumb tendinitis) aims to relieve pain and swelling and includes:
Rest
Modification or avoidance of certain daily activities
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Ice therapy
Physiotherapy
Exercises, mainly wrist and thumb stretching exercises
Cortisone injection to reduce symptoms
Use of a splint to stabilise the thumb and wrist joint
Surgical Treatment
When symptoms persist and are not relieved with conservative treatment, surgical intervention is recommended for symptom relief.
During the surgical procedure, the Orthopaedic Surgeon makes a small 2 cm incision at the base of the thumb in order to release the tendons and facilitate their movement. It is a bloodless procedure performed under local anaesthesia. It lasts approximately 15 minutes, and the patient can return home after a few hours.
Because it is a safe procedure, complications are uncommon; however, it needs to be performed by a specialised doctor with excellent knowledge and surgical skills in order to protect the nerve that provides sensation to the wrist.
Pain relief is immediate, and full recovery is achieved within a few days.
Thumb tendinitis is a condition that can cause severe and sudden pain. However, early diagnosis by a specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon is required, who will recommend the appropriate treatment method.
Contact the specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon Andreas Leonidou for an accurate diagnosis and a definitive solution to your problem.
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