[53F] Experiencing thumb pain, numbness, and tingling in hand

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs the length of the arm, goes through a passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, and ends in the hand. The median nerve controls the movement and feeling of your thumb, and also the fingers next to it. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers, usually in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. It can be worse in the morning or after using the hand.

  • Diagnosis is usually confirmed with a physical examination and nerve conduction studies. Treatment can include wrist splinting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and surgery in severe cases.

• Thumb Arthritis: Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints. Thumb arthritis commonly occurs with aging. The first sign may be pain in the lower part of the thumb. You might also notice swelling and decreased strength when pinching or gripping objects.

  • Diagnosis is usually confirmed with a physical examination and X-rays. Treatment can include splinting, medication, and surgery in severe cases.

• De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: This condition is a painful inflammation of tendons on the side of the wrist at the base of the thumb. These tendons include the extensor pollicis brevis and the abductor pollicis longus. Symptoms can include pain and swelling near the base of the thumb, difficulty moving the thumb and wrist when you're doing something that involves grasping or pinching, and a "sticking" or "stop-and-go" sensation in your thumb when moving it.

  • Diagnosis is usually confirmed with a physical examination. Treatment can include splinting, medication, and surgery in severe cases.

What you can do

You should definitely consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

1. Rest your hand and avoid activities that make your symptoms worse.
2. Apply ice to the painful area.
3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve), to reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Wear a splint to limit the movement of your thumb and wrist and allow the joint to rest and heal.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If your symptoms worsen or do not improve with rest and over-the-counter treatments
• If you notice a significant decrease in your ability to use your hand or thumb
• If you experience persistent pain that interferes with your daily activities

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.