Trigger Thumb?

[Scarlett]

Because I am housebound, I can’t get to the doctor, so I’m picking your brains on here. My left thumb top joint clicks when I bend it, and frequently get stuck. It’s absolutely agonising when it happens. It feels like there’s something in the joint that is trapping it. I think it may have been caused by too much scrolling during lockdown one. It isn’t red or swollen. Does this sound like Triggerfinger or arthritis, or something else?

[Scarlett]

Also to add - A very painful bump has appeared just above the centre of the joint on the front of my thumb, which I think has a ganglion as it can be popped under the skin.

[TheWinner]

https://www.blog.ohmyarthritis.com/i-think-i-have-a-trigger-thumb-what-do-i-do-about-it/

[jourdain2]

My right thumb went like that, but it wasn't particularly painful. I ended up having to flick it upright with my left hand. I do have arthritis, but it was a problem with the tendon (I think that was it). An afternoon in hospital including a tiny nick or two from a surgeon and all was, and has remained, well. I've been trying to find the scar, but can't.

[Sqad]

A bit early to trot out a diagnosis, but it does sound like "Trigger Thumb " so for the moment just take Nsaids such as Ibuprofen or Naproxin and see what transpires over the weekend.

It doesn't sound like arthritis.

I seem to remember that you have EDS or I may be thinking of someone else, in either case there may well be an association with your thumb symptoms......might!

Keep us informed.

[Scarlett]

Thank you. Yes I do have EDS so all connective tissue is a pain in the *** basically. I wondered what the ganglion thing was.

It does hurt when I press where the bones meet. I’ve had it for quite awhile, and I’ve been taking naproxen for my back and knee, but the finger is still playing up. Should I splint it?

[Sqad]

Ah! thank you Scarlett.

This is likely to be subluxation (partial dislocation) or total dislocation of the terminal joint of your thumb.
Splinting may well help, but before you do so try remanipulating back into position. The pain may last hours or even days. Heat also might help.

If this is a recurring theme, then see you GP.

Yes, the squashy lump is certainly a ganglion.

[Scarlett]

Thanks Sqad. I do waggle it’s about when it gets stuck, which helps a bit, but the gravelly sensation when I bend it is there all the time, which is why I thought it might be arthritis.