Advice from people who have broken or injured their thumbs.

ginabean82

So over the past few weeks my thumb has been hurting, gradually getting worse.  It hurts at the base of my thumb, at the joint close to my wrist.  I can't twist open any jars, and it even hurts to grasp anything with that hand.  But the weird thing is that it isn't swollen or bruised in any way.  I was thinking maybe I should go get an xray, but since there is no swelling or bruising I'm just not sure if I should waste my time.  I have never broken or sprained any part of my body before (yes i am lucky) so Im not sure if Im making a bigger deal about this than I should.  

Any advise would be appreciated.  Thanks!

Sillygirl45

Was there any trauma to the area? Could be arthritis. Could also be just one of those things (strain) that clears up on its own. If it continues to get worse, interferes with your normal activities, I would see a doctor.

Xandy417

My general rule is: if it lasts more than a week or appears to be getting worse I should go have it looked at.

Hand/finger x-rays are not too expensive depending on your insurance.

TarponMonoxide

Get that thumb examined by a physician.

You might also have something inflammatory going on, an inflammatory disease or a case of tendonitis or maybe even carpal tunnel syndrome.

Maybe it is too much texting or too much video games.

MeridithM

X-Ray or not, due to the lasting and increasing discomfort, you should consult a physician. If you have a specific physician you typically visit, I would give them a call and see what they recommend - they may recommend you see another healthcare professional, rather than a physician even.

aquatanica

I have recurring De Quervain's Tendonitis, which sounds an awful lot like what you're describing. Because my injury was fairly sudden (beginning within 2 weeks of a repeated movement and not taken care of for another 2 weeks), I had to wear a splint for 3 months and complete 8 weeks of physical therapy. 

Walmart, Target, or Walgreens sell thumb supporting splints that might help. 

Hope you start feeling better! 

smmatt08

Sounds like a partially torn ligament. That happened to me about a year ago after falling. Same description of having trouble opening jars and gripping things. Unfortunately I waited about three months to get it looked at and it had gotten worse. It still bothers me from time to time. My advice, don't wait any longer! Get it looked at soon.