Pain in the thumb when squeezing can significantly disrupt daily activities, making simple tasks like gripping a pen or opening a jar challenging. This common complaint often signals an underlying issue within the complex structures of the thumb and wrist. Understanding the potential causes behind this discomfort is the first step toward finding relief and restoring hand function. Various conditions can manifest as pain during squeezing, stemming from inflammation, degeneration, or injury to the tendons, ligaments, or joints.
Common Causes of Thumb Pain
One frequent cause of thumb pain with squeezing is De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. These tendons become irritated as they pass through a narrow tunnel, leading to pain and swelling. This is often made worse by gripping, pinching, or making a fist.
Another common cause is basal joint arthritis, which involves the degeneration of cartilage at the base of the thumb. This wear-and-tear condition causes bones to rub against each other, leading to deep, aching pain, particularly with pinching, gripping, or twisting. The joint may also exhibit swelling, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion.
Trigger thumb can also cause discomfort when squeezing. This condition arises from inflammation or thickening of the tendon sheath, which restricts the smooth gliding of the thumb’s flexor tendon. Individuals often experience a catching, popping, or locking sensation, accompanied by pain at the base of the thumb, especially when bending or straightening it.
Injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) at the base of the thumb can result in pain and instability during gripping. This ligament, positioned on the pinky side of the thumb’s main joint, helps stabilize the thumb for grasping and pinching actions. A sprain or tear often occurs from traumatic events that force the thumb backward or sideways, leading to immediate pain, swelling, and weakness when attempting to squeeze.
Less commonly, nerve entrapment can contribute to thumb pain. This condition causes numbness, tingling, or burning sensations on the back of the thumb and hand. While not directly linked to squeezing, certain hand positions or pressure points during gripping might exacerbate these neurological symptoms.
Initial Self-Care and Home Management
When experiencing thumb pain from squeezing, resting the affected thumb and modifying activities that worsen the pain are important first steps. Reducing repetitive motions or avoiding forceful gripping allows the inflamed tissues time to recover.
Applying ice packs to the painful area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs, can manage pain and decrease inflammation. These medications should be taken as directed and with food.
Using a supportive splint or brace can immobilize the thumb and wrist, providing rest to the affected structures and reducing strain. Splints can be worn during painful activities or overnight to maintain proper alignment and support. Gentle stretches for the thumb and wrist, performed without exacerbating pain, can help maintain flexibility and promote circulation.
When to Seek Professional Medical Attention
While many instances of thumb pain can be managed with home care, if the pain persists for more than a few weeks despite self-care efforts, or if it progressively worsens, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable. This indicates that the underlying condition may require more targeted intervention.
Severe or sudden onset of thumb pain, especially following an injury or trauma, requires prompt medical attention. Visible deformities, significant swelling, or bruising around the thumb or wrist are also indicators that a medical professional should assess the situation immediately. These symptoms could suggest a more serious injury, such as a fracture or severe ligament tear.
If the pain is accompanied by neurological symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the thumb or hand, consult a doctor. These sensations might signal nerve involvement that requires specific diagnostic evaluation. If the thumb pain significantly interferes with daily tasks, such as writing, opening jars, or gripping objects, seeking professional guidance can help identify effective treatment strategies.
Professional Diagnosis and Treatment Options
A medical consultation for thumb pain begins with a physical examination and a discussion of symptoms and medical history. The doctor will assess the thumb’s range of motion, strength, and tenderness. Specific tests, such as the Finkelstein’s test for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, may be performed to help pinpoint the diagnosis by reproducing pain in affected tendons.
Imaging tests, such as X-rays, are often ordered to check for signs of arthritis, fractures, or other bone abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound may be used to visualize soft tissues like tendons and ligaments. These diagnostic tools help confirm the cause of the pain and guide treatment decisions.
Non-surgical treatments are often the first approach. Physical or occupational therapy can provide tailored exercises to improve thumb strength and mobility, along with ergonomic advice to reduce strain during daily activities. Corticosteroid injections can provide significant pain relief. These injections are commonly used for conditions like basal joint arthritis and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Prescription-strength NSAIDs or other pain management medications may also be prescribed.
When conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgical options may be considered. For De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, surgery might involve releasing the constricted tendon sheath to allow for smoother gliding. In cases of severe basal joint arthritis, procedures like trapeziectomy (removal of a small bone at the base of the thumb) or joint reconstruction can alleviate pain and restore function. Surgical interventions are typically reserved for chronic or severe conditions that significantly impair hand function.