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Thumb pain can result from various reasons. Depending on the underlying cause, it can be attended with stiffness, swelling, tenderness, clicking sound while moving the thumb, numbness, tingling sensation and weakness in the thumb. Among the different reasons for thumb pain, the first one is arthritis i.e. inflammation of the joints. Arthritis that can affect the thumb might include osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis refers to degenerative joint disease that occurs from wearing down and tearing of the joint cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint disorder in which the immune cells inflame and damage the joint out of a misdirected response. The second cause can be a sprained thumb. Sprain refers to overstretching or tearing of the ligaments (fibrous tissue bands that connect one bone to another) of the thumb. Next, thumb pain may arise from an injury to the thumb or fracture (breakage of the bone) in the thumb bone. Another important cause is trigger finger. It is a condition in which a finger gets stuck in the bent position and then gets straightened with a snap. It mostly affects the ring finger and thumb though any finger can be affected. When this condition affects the thumb, it is called trigger thumb. This condition arises from inability of the tendons controlling the fingers to glide smoothly in the sheath surrounding the tendons. Further causes include CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome) and De Quervain’s tendinitis. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition resulting from a compressed median nerve in the wrist. It results in pain along with numbness, tingling and weakness in the hands and the fingers. De Quervain’s tendinitis is a condition that affects the tendons (elastic tissue bands that connect muscle to bone) on the thumb side of the wrist. It results in pain at the base of the thumb along with swelling. With this, thumb and wrist movements become difficult.
Homeopathic Management
Homeopathic medicines give excellent results in case of thumb pain. These medicines go to the core of the problem to treat the principal underlying cause to help relieve thumb pain. Along with pain, they also aid in managing attending signs and symptoms like swelling, stiffness, numbness, tingling, soreness and tenderness in the thumb. To prescribe the most suitable homeopathic medicine, a detailed case evaluation is required. So one should consult a homeopathic physician for case evaluation and proper homeopathic prescription. Self- medication should be avoided.
Homeopathic Medicines For Thumb Pain
1. Rhus Tox – Top Recommended Medicine
Rhus Tox is a well-indicated medicine for managing complaints related to joints and tendons. This medicine is especially helpful when joint of the thumb gets strained. This is attended with pain which gets worse at night. There is inability to use the thumb due to excessive pain. The thumb is also painful to touch.
2. Ledum Palustre – For Thumb Pain With Stiffness
This medicine is highly effective when there is pain in the thumbs attended with stiffness. In most cases needing it, pain is felt in the first joint of the thumbs. Nodes may form on the finger joints due to high uric acid. Increased sweating on the palms of hands is also noted.
3. Arnica – For Pain From Injury
This medicine is a leading homeopathic medicine for managing pain in any body part that results from an injury/trauma. This medicine may also be used for relieving pain in the thumb after an injury. Persons needing this medicine feel a sore, bruised pain in the thumb. Besides injury, Arnica is indicated for drawing pain in the right thumb and also for pain in the balls of the thumb, the fleshy area of the palm that lies adjacent to the second joint of the thumb.
4. Causticum – For Pain And Numbness In Thumb
This medicine is indicated for pain and numbness in the thumb and maybe the index finger. The thumb and index finger may also feel swollen. This may hinder the movement of hands. There may be drawing pain in the finger joints as well. Fingers may feel stiff. The tendons of the fingers may feel contracted.
5. Chamomilla – For Thumb Pain On Movement
This medicine is recommended when there is pain in the thumb when it is moved. It is effective when thumb pain occurs from excessive exertion of the thumb. It is also beneficial when thumb pain happens due to a sprain. Along with pain, the thumb feels as if it is broken.
6. Ambra Grisea – For Thumb Pain Worse From Slight Touch
Ambra Grisea is a prominently indicated medicine to manage thumb pain that gets worse from even a slight touch. This medicine is also highly suitable for cases of thumb pain attended with tingling sensation in the thumb. Tingling can also occur in the fingers and hands. Drawing type of pain is felt in the thumb and fingers. The fingers and thumb tips can be itchy along with the above symptoms.
7. Spongia – For Thumb Pain Extending To Forearm
Spongia is a valuable medicine to help cases where pain from the thumb extends to the forearm. It is also indicated to manage a stitching kind of pain in the front joint of the thumb. The thumb joint may be sore and painful to touch. Next, this medicine is recommended for managing cramp-like pain in the balls of thumbs. The ball of the left thumb might be itchy. The itching does not go away even after rubbing. Additionally, the finger joints may be red, swollen and stiff. There is difficulty in bending the fingers. There may be stitching pain in the hands.
8. Palladium – For Stinging Pain In The Thumb
Palladium is indicated for managing stinging type of pain in the thumb. Pain in the bones of the hand is felt especially on the left side. Pain of nerve origin can occur in the right thumb. This nerve pain can be felt in the forefinger, shoulder and arm as well as on the right side. Stitching type of pain can occur in the fingers initially on the left side and afterwards on the right side.
9. Agaricus – For Tearing Type Of Thumb Pain
Agaricus is another very helpful medicine to manage thumb pain. In cases needing it, there is tearing pain in the thumbs. Needle-like stitching can be felt in the thumb as well. Pain in the thumb joint may also occur. Pricking sensation may be felt in the left-sided thumb. While writing, cramping pain is felt in the ball of the thumb.
10. Sanguinaria Can – For pain in ball of right thumb
This medicine is of great use when pain is felt in the ball of the right thumb. It is accompanied by swelling of the right thumb ball. This pain, most of the time, extends to the wrist and the back of the hand. Weakness is felt in the hands. There is difficulty in using the hands due to pain and weakness. This medicine is also useful when thumb pain gets worse in hot weather.
11. Asterias Rubens – For Thumb Joint Pain Extending To Shoulder
This medicine works well in cases of thumb joint pain extending to the shoulder. Pain in the tendons of the thumb of the left side can also be present. Itching can occur around the thumb nail where this medicine is required.
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