Overused thumb

Overuse of the thumb is a common complaint. Many of us have experienced pain in the thumb joint and wrist, especially when bending. In most cases, this is caused by tendonitis in the thumb. Curious to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and prevention? Feel free to read on. We're happy to explain it to you.

The causes of thumb pain from overuse

Thumb pain caused by overuse can result from repetitive activities such as typing, writing, or using a phone. These actions place significant strain on the thumb joint and surrounding muscles. This can lead to pain and discomfort. In most cases, this pain is due to tendonitis, also known as De Quervain’s syndrome.

Complaints and symptoms

When experiencing thumb pain due to overuse, there are several complaints and symptoms you may notice. Here are the most common ones:

• Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, especially when bending or extending the thumb.
• Gradual or sudden pain at the site of the wrist
• Radiating pain toward the forearm
• Swollen tendons making wrist and thumb movement painful
• Difficulty moving the wrist and thumb
• Visible swelling on the thumb side of the wrist
• The thumb may get stuck or make a clicking sound

Treatment for thumb pain from overuse

When experiencing thumb pain, it’s important to get enough rest. Overuse can worsen the symptoms. Reducing movements that aggravate the inflammation can help lessen the signs of inflammation. Afterward, it is important to strengthen the thumb muscles again. You can do this by performing various exercises. In addition, wearing a thumb brace can help reduce the symptoms.

Preventing thumb pain

To prevent thumb pain from overuse, it's important to take breaks between repetitive activities. Try not to type, write, or make other repeated movements continuously. By pausing regularly and allowing the thumb muscles to rest, you can avoid an overused thumb. This way, you can prevent uncomfortable symptoms.