By Lori Swenson, GUEST COLUMNIST
Sponsored Article
We live in Big Sky because of the opportunities to pursue our passion for outdoor activities. Whether it’s fishing, skiing, hiking, biking, paddling, golfing, or even gardening–all involve the use of our thumbs, believe it or not.
It is easy to take our thumbs for granted until you have pain and are unable to engage in your favorite activities, tie your shoes, open a jar and pour your coffee, let alone drive and manipulate tools or equipment. There are many different causes of painful thumbs.
Ski injuries can cause instability of one of the joints in the thumb called “skier’s thumb.” Overuse tendonitis is commonly called “mommy’s thumb” Nerve compression causing tingling, numbness, pain or weakness as is common with “carpal tunnel syndrome.” And “trigger thumb” happens when the tendon that commonly bends the thumb becomes inflamed and stuck. “Arthritis in the thumb” can be due to inflammation and erosional changes to the joint at the base of the thumb.
So, how can you fix your painful thumb? First, you need to determine the source of the pain. A traumatic injury would benefit from professional consultation. Diffuse pain without knowledge of specific injury that runs along into the forearm could indicate tendonitis. Slowly evolving or intermittent pain localized at the base of the thumb by the wrist could be arthritis. If you have been diagnosed with arthritis in your thumb, there is new evidence indicating specific strength training to provide improved stability and prevent rapid progression of erosional changes and deformity.
What are some tests you can perform to figure this out?
Ask yourself: Does your thumb move in all directions the same when compared to your other hand? Can you resist pressure in all directions?
This is where we come in to help! Gentle stretching and range of motion can reduce stiffness along with the use of heat around the thumb, wrist and forearm. Maybe there is a limitation in your grip or pinch strength and building the muscles in the hand and forearm could support your thumb and minimize pain. Oftentimes a custom splint or functional orthotic can rest the thumb while still allowing you to touch your thumb to your fingertips and allow the joint to heal properly.
Occupational therapists specialize in treating conditions localized to the upper extremity, especially the thumb. OTs provide the best and most current information and guidance regarding thumb joint protection, and we can create a home exercise program to reduce pain, improve mobility and increase your grip and pinch strength customized just for you! We also fabricate custom splints or recommend an over-the-counter splint while allowing just the right amount of movement in your unaffected fingers or wrist. If you have questions about issues you are currently facing with your thumb, wrist or hand, give us a call and speak to our experts at Big Sky + Performance today and we will support you on your journey to moving and feeling better!
Lori Swenson is an Occupational Therapist here at Lone Peak and has proudly served the Big Sky community for over 16 years, contributing to her 31 years of experience as a certified expert. She is eager to support you in reaching your goals for return to the activities you love and get back out there!
