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What Causes Pain And Stiffness In The Thumb?

Posted on Sat, 8 Apr 2017

Question: i am male 46. for the past five years i experience stiffness/pain in wrist and thumb after writing. my hand muscle stiffens the moment i pick up pen. i've consulted neurologist and physio therapist. i've undergone MR scan and shock treatment in the right hand and nothing wrong with nerves/muscles. Doctor diagnosed dystonia and said there is no treatment for the same. pl advice me is there a cure for this?

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Physiotherapy,the only solution

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting the question.
I have gone through your medical history in detail.

Dystonia / writer's thumb is a condition in which there are sustained cramps in the hand /thumb muscles due to unknown reason.This happens typically while / during writing.

Science has no solution for this till now.

The only thing that can be done is physiotherapy and stimulation of nerves and muscles.

The results may be variable depending upon the strength of muscles.

I am sorry but there is no permanent cure for this condition.

I hope the answer was useful.

Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have.

Thank you.
Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (14 hours later)

Thanks Dr.
1. Is there any wrist band in market which can be worn as support while writing?
2. Can you pl suggest some simple techniques to minimise my problem?

Regards

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
thumb spica can help

Detailed Answer:
There are certain wrist bands in market with a partial thumb support (thumb spica) that can help you as a support to the muscles.

Before writing,you can apply local gel,do hot fomentation and gentle massage to the muscles of the thumb and wrist.After 10 minutes of doing this,you can start writing.This will reduce the stiffness to a considerable extent.

Avoid writing for prolonged periods of time at a stretch.Take intermittent gaps in between to allow the muscles to relax.

Simplest option would be to try and train other hand for writing purpose. I know it would be very difficult to do so as it won't be your dominant hand,but if it works,then it will be the best option.

Regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy