Thumb pain: Does anyone else suffer with pain at... - PMRGCAuk

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Thumb pain

Marcy47 profile image
12 Replies

Does anyone else suffer with pain at the base of the thumb? I have been getting this for the last few weeks, it's painful trying to grip anything with my left hand, as I am left-handed this is becoming a problem especially with washing up, (no dishwasher at the moment). I have tried Voltarol rub and paracetamol with not much relief. Think I will see the Dr soon to see what is going on.

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Marcy47 profile image
Marcy47
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12 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

For me it is the never-fail sign of a flare. Every time! Most doctors will try to tell you it is "arthritis" - maybe, maybe not. Have you reduced the pred dose in the last several weeks?

I know some people get relief from this sort of support:

physioroom.com/catalog/Thum...

and I used one in the early days of PMR, long before it was diagnosed and treated, when it was being assumed it was RSI and tendonitis.

Marcy47 profile image
Marcy47 in reply to PMRpro

Hi PMRpro,

Thanks for your reply, I have reduced pred from 9.5 to 9 since Jan 1st, thought I did it slow enough. I was going to reduce again to 8.5 starting this week, but I think I will leave it a bit longer. I will try a thumb support and see if that helps.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Marcy47

However slowly you reduce NOTHING will get you past the end point: the lowest dose capable of managing the symptoms.

nuigini profile image
nuigini in reply to Marcy47

I get this from time to time and in my case it is arthritis. A few days with a thumb/wrist support usually settles it down.

Jo_Lyn profile image
Jo_Lyn in reply to PMRpro

Hi PRMpro ... I've taken to the PMRGCAuk search box to check my symptoms and typed in "thumb". About 5 years ago I went to sleep with a perfectly good right thumb and then awoke in excruciating pain. Over about a week I ended up with trigger thumb as well. I thought it would go away but it didn't, went to the doctor and received injections which worked for nearly a year, then it was back again. I still have pain in that thumb but never as bad as at first. Last year my left thumb started hurting and I was diagnosed with basal joint arthritis.

I think it is interesting that this is your flare indicator. I am still in the process of getting a definitive diagnosis of PMR. I'm at 15 mg pred right now. I am one of those with the mixed up process of diagnoses. I will know more in about a week when I see the doctor again.

Just compiling information :-)

JoLyn xxx

cjatthesea profile image
cjatthesea

I do...in fact, I have it right now. For a time, it came on quite frequently then not again for months. Right now, I am on Vicodin for another issue....related to my back. With the Pred and Vicodin, seems I would be feeling no pain. ;-) Never related mine to a Flare....although, I've had many. I'm also experiencing pain in my fingertips....have read that could be caused by PVD. Not sure if the two might be somehow related.

Hope your pain lessens...CJ

piglette profile image
piglette

I have had pain below my right thumb for months. I have not a clue what it is. It does seem to vary in pain though, sometimes it is better than other times.

Pollyanna16 profile image
Pollyanna16

Yes, my left thumb has been increasingly painful for 3 years & now down to 4.5 pred it does not mask the pain. It is becoming swollen & nobbly & is osteoarthritis, I do not think it's anything pmr related. Wear & tear. I am increasingly concerned as to how to cope with it & wear a thumb support whilst changing beds, gardening etc. It's a bummer! My physio suggests I wear the thumb support more & I think it's necessary for you to see one to ensure you get the right type. My first was in the NHS. Best wishes.

piglette profile image
piglette in reply to Pollyanna16

I don't have any sign that there is a problem, no swelling etc. It is just very painful. I had carpal tunnel in my left hand before I was diagnosed with PMR but it went away when I started the steroids.

Marcy47 profile image
Marcy47

Thanks to all for your replies re thumb pain. I am going to try a thumb support and see if I can get referred to a physio. Love to you all x

pammy_hyland profile image
pammy_hyland in reply to Marcy47

Before being finerly diagnosed with PMRyears ago I had carpal tunnel operations on both hands which stopped all pain and numbness that I had had for years ! They now say that carpal tunnel is part of PMR but the operations sorted it xx

Patience47 profile image
Patience47

Mari, I have experienced pain at the base of the thumb too, but only a few times. Also, wrist pain, but only about four times over the last three years.

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