Pain In Thumb At Base In One Hand

[ganesh]

Had a lot of pain when unscrewing jars, carrying shopping etc in the big fleshy bit at the base of the thumb. Also have a random stingy shooting pain in the next finger at base. The doctor just said its probably osteo-arthritis, admits to not knowing what the stinging pain is, and has said just exercise it to build up the muscle and have some physio if it doesn't get any better. He said it isn't worth an x-ray and that cortisone injections are painful and don't usually work. I am 57 and must say thought this sort of thing happened later in life.
Anyone suffering similar and would recommend a cure? Glucosamine? Hyaluronic Acid? Anything dietary? and should I just accept that diagnosis? I'ts all very sudden and very painful!

[boxtops]

Your GP sounds a right little ray of sunshine..... ask for a second opinion with another GP, if it doesn't improve in a few days.

[ganesh]

Might do boxtops, always easier said than done. If I can get another appointment it will be one of his 'mates' in the same practice and I'm sure they all stick together!

[boxtops]

If it's really painful (and it is, isn't it?) take it to your local minor injuries unit. The doctors and/or nurse practitioners there will take a look at it for you, for nothing. You're entitled to a second opinion.

[furrypusscat]

I had over a number of years a few cortizone injections in the base of thumb which proved to be caused by osteoarthritis. They are painful but did give some short term relief. Eventually in 2006, I had a joint replacement which solved the problem and took away the pain.

[Sqad]

I agree entirely with the approach by your GP.

[ganesh]

You mean a walk-in centre type of thing? When I said sudden I meant it WAS very sudden, but it has been hurting and getting more painful over several weeks. I dunno if I can call it an injury, but it might be an idea, not sure. Bet they would just suggest painkillers and 'go see your doctor'

[handspike]

I have the same complaint. My GP reckoned it was Degenerative Osteo Arthritis. I usually take Ibuprofen tablets or rub on Ibuleve gel before playing golf or tennis. They seem to do the trick. I'm afraid we have to learn to live with these annoyances at our age. (i'm 78)

[Ken4155]

I've always been led to believe that there are no muscles in the fingers, ganesh. And your doc is telling you to exercise them?

[boxtops]

Ours doesn't, ganesh - they can diagnose and prescribe. If you need other treatment they'll recommend you go back to the GP, but they'll suggest what you should ask for.

[ganesh]

When you say 'proved' to be osteoarthritis, do you mean there is some kind of test? I'd just like to know really what this is and then I'd feel more confident in finding ways to deal with it. Why is the injection SO painful?, is it a thicker needle or something? (I'm not good with pain, but I do give blood regularly)

[ganesh]

No Ken, its not in the finger, well not the main problem , its in the muscly bulgy bit I the hand below the thumb.He says it would help to build up that muscle.

[woofgang]

ganesh, have you tried RICE? it srsnds for rest ice compress and elevate, although you only need to elevate if there is swelling. i get occasional hand pain, bad enough for public swearinf if it takes me unawares, and find that rest, a gentle compression bandage to immobilise the joint or joints in a comfotrable position, and a bag of peas on top of the bandage, help wonderfully. justvlike the old Tommy Cooper gag (it hurts when I do this) finding other ways to do the painful tasks where you can, will also hrlp prevent the pain and to an extent, stop things getting worse.

[ganesh]

Well that's what I'm saying, I'm only 57, and I thought it unlikely to get arthritis-no-one in my family has ever had it either.

[Sqad]

Well, if you don't like the diagnosis of your GP....you can phone NH24 they should know,as they sit there with a page of squares that they tick...that is free.....OR drop into your walk in centre...that is free AND you might see a Dr or a nurse who thinks she;s a doctor....OR go to casualty, you will definitely see a doctor there, a junior, but a doctor AND it is free.
Then come onto AB which is packed with doctors...and free.

OR you could do what your GP says...that is free.

[ganesh]

I agree woofgang, though the doctor has said that because I am not using it, because it is painful, the muscle is shrinking and I should exercise it rather than rest it. And there is no swelling at all.I am right-handed and it is in my left hand but it even hurts like.... to change gear in the car!

[ganesh]

Don't care if its free or not squad. Just want it fixed and I'd pay quite a lot for it!

[boxtops]

Oh sqad - I do wish you would stop knocking nurse practitioners (sorry ganesh...) - OK, they're not medically qualified, but they are more highly trained and clinically qualified than a basic registered nurse. It's another 2.5 years' training before a nurse can become an advanced practitioner with a prescribing qualification, and our IMUs and walk-in centres couldn't function without them - many of them in our county are solely nurse-led these days. They know where and how to refer if they need to. Ganesh would be safe in their hands!

[ganesh]

And its not a question of 'liking' the diagnosis, I just want to know if it is right and what to do to make It stop. I must admit the dismissive 'Oh I don't know what THAT is', referring to the random stinging pain in my finger which must be connected.Of course I will try what he says but just wondered if anyone knew of similar problems and any miracle cures!

[Sqad]

boxy...I am not knocking nurse practitioners.....I AM knocking a system that offers so many diverse methods of obtaining a medical diagnosis without seeing a doctor.
It is expensive and in my opinion inefficient.

It is about time that nurses got back to nursing and GP's got back to their main function.

[ganesh]

Just to annoy even further, I was given a 'how did we do' questionnaire survey thing afterwards, as if they are turning into supermarkets!!!