HEP: Thumb Arthritis
Patient Education
What’s going on?
Sometimes after you injure your thumb or after you have been immobilized (like in a cast or splint), your thumb becomes stiff and painful.
Don’t worry, this is an easy problem to fix.
Joints like to move, it helps them become healthy.
How long will it take?
2 to 6 weeks depending on the severity of the stiffness.
How will we treat your condition at IHSM?
At IHSM, a doctor of physical therapy will perform a detailed physical examination of how to move and all the structures that could be contributing to your pain; including the nerves, joints, and muscles.
Your therapist will assess your joints and muscles to determine what is limiting your motion.
Mobilizations to improve the joint stiffness will be used.
Exercises and stretches are important to restore your normal range of motion.
It is ok to feel some discomfort when you are stretching something that is stiff.
Modalities such as acupuncture, or electrical stimulation may also be used to control the pain and inflammation in your thumb.
What can you do to help yourself?
Apply some traction to your thumb several times a day.
After traction, gently move your thumb in all directions for 30 repetitions each (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, opposition, and reposition.
At the end of each set of movements, stretch in the stiffness and hold it for 30 seconds (remember that it is normal to feel some discomfort as long as the discomfort subsides when you release the stretch).
Do this 3 times per day.
If you develop swelling or persistent pain, stop the exercises and speak with your therapist.
Instructions:
You may do all of these exercises right away.
About IHSM
Integrative Health and Sports Medicine, LLC is a one-stop health and wellness center. Our mission is to restore our patients to a healthy, pain-free, and productive life. By combining orthopedic physical therapy techniques, sports medicine, acupuncture, and Chinese medicine, we can treat conditions and achieve results in cases that have not responded well to modern Western medicine.
We are located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Please email us at info@ihsm.org to schedule a consultation and let us help you on your journey to optimal health.