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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Sudden Onset Of Stiffening Of Thumbs Indicate?

I am a 52 year old male. Recently, my thumbs have stiffened markedly. When I bend either thumb, it kind of locks at the first joint. As I continue to bend my thumb further, the joint pops as it bend further. I don’t feel any pain when I bend the thumb; however, I woke up this morning, both thumbs hurt from the big joint and past my wrists. I have not injured either thumb recently, but I have had pain in the big joint on either thumb in the past. What is strange to me, is both thumbs developed problem simultaneously. I think the connective tissue has stiffened. Should be concerned? SMH YYYY@YYYY
posted on Mon, 1 Jun 2015
Twitter Mon, 11 Jan 2021 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 13 Jan 2021 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Sudden stiffening of the thumb is indicative of wear and tear, jammed thumb, damage to the ligament, sprained thumb, injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, RA / OA, etc. You are suggested to get clinically examined by a GP, get X-ray done to detect any injury or fracture. get blood tests done to rule out RA / OA, etc. The pathology will be detected and you will be treated accordingly.

In the meantime, give rest to your thumb. heat therapy may help to relieve the stiffness. Wear a splint at night. You can take analgesics or NSAIDS, one SOS after food to get relieve from pain. Apply a pain relieving ointment or sprays like Volini to get relief.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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What Does Sudden Onset Of Stiffening Of Thumbs Indicate?

Hello, Sudden stiffening of the thumb is indicative of wear and tear, jammed thumb, damage to the ligament, sprained thumb, injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, RA / OA, etc. You are suggested to get clinically examined by a GP, get X-ray done to detect any injury or fracture. get blood tests done to rule out RA / OA, etc. The pathology will be detected and you will be treated accordingly. In the meantime, give rest to your thumb. heat therapy may help to relieve the stiffness. Wear a splint at night. You can take analgesics or NSAIDS, one SOS after food to get relieve from pain. Apply a pain relieving ointment or sprays like Volini to get relief. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician