pain and difficulty straightening thumb
Dear Dr Bland,
I hope this finds you and Emma well?
I had successful carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand in December. That has recovered well (apart from scar tissue). Since surgery I noticed pain at the base of my right thumb which I assumed was due to swelling and scar tissue. This pain has got steadily worse, to the point where it is now painful most of the time and on certain movements it is quite unbearable. Last night I could not straighten my thumb without it getting stuck (and making a horrid clicking sound). Today it is very difficult to straighten again. Could this be anything to do with the carpal tunnel I was suffering from? I am wondering whether to see my GP? I have tried splinting the thumb (very tricky!) as NHS website suggests but it's tricky being a teacher! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Could be a trigger digit but I think we need to see it. Drop in some day next week - it will only take 5 minutes to examine it and see what what it looks like and we might then be able to send you on to someone who can deal with it. JB
Dear Dr Bland,
Thank you so much for your reply. Is there a better time/day to pop in? I teach full time but could come during my hour of ppa time on Thursday between 11.00 and 12 if this suits?
That should be fine. Emma and I will both be in so one of us should be able to take a quick look at it. JB
Dear Dr Bland,
Thank you so much for seeing me almost 3 weeks ago, and sorry to trouble you again. The pain in and difficulty straightening the right thumb is quite awful now and keeps me awake too. Do you think it would haste an appointment if I got my GP to make a referral as well as you for the steroid in thumb?
Thanks again for your continued help.
It certainly wouldn't do any harm. Whether it will actually speed things up any is uncertain. JB
Sorry - I do realise that this is not carpal tunnel but as you are the complete experts on anything hand related I thought it best to start with you!