Thumb pain can have various causes. Depending on the underlying cause, this may be accompanied by stiffness, swelling, tenderness, clicking sound when moving the thumb, numbness, tingling sensation and weakness in the thumb. Among the various reasons for thumb pain, the first is arthritis, i.e. inflammation of the joints. Arthritis that can affect the thumb can include osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis refers to degenerative joint diseases that occur due to wear and tear of the articular cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which immune cells inflame and damage the joint due to a misdirected response. The second cause can be a sprained thumb. Sprain refers to the overstretching or tearing of the ligaments (fibrous bands of tissue that connect one bone to another) of the thumb. Thumb pain can then arise from an injury to the thumb or from a fracture (break) in the thumb bone. Another major cause is the trigger finger. It is a condition in which a finger gets stuck in the bent position and then straightens with a click. It mainly affects the ring finger and thumb, although any finger can be affected. When this condition affects the thumb, it is called trigger thumb. This condition results from the inability of the tendons that control the fingers to slide smoothly within the sheath surrounding the tendons. Other causes include CTS (carpal tunnel syndrome) and De Quervain’s tendonitis. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition resulting from a pinched nerve in the wrist. It results in pain along with numbness, tingling and weakness in the hands and fingers. De Quervain’s tendonitis is a condition that affects the tendons (elastic bands of tissue that connect the muscles to the bone) on the thumb side of the wrist. It results in pain at the base of the thumb along with swelling. This makes thumb and wrist movements difficult.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathic medicines give excellent results in thumb pain. These medications get to the root of the problem and treat the main underlying cause and help relieve thumb pain. In addition to pain, they also help manage associated signs and symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, numbness, tingling, pain and tenderness in the thumb. To prescribe the most appropriate homeopathic medicine, a detailed case evaluation is required. So one must consult a homeopathic doctor for case assessment and appropriate homeopathic prescription. Self-medication should be avoided.
Homeopathic medicines for thumb pain
1. Rhus Tox – Top recommended drug
Rhus Tox is a well-indicated medicine for the treatment of complaints related to joints and tendons. This medicine is especially useful if the thumb joint becomes overloaded. This is accompanied by pain that gets worse at night. There is inability to use the thumb due to excessive pain. The thumb is also painful to the touch.
2. Ledum Palustre – For thumb pain with stiffness
This medicine is very effective for pain in the thumbs accompanied by stiffness. In most cases, pain is felt in the first joint of the thumbs. Nodules can form on the finger joints due to high uric acid levels. Increased sweating on the palms is also noted.
3. Arnica – For pain due to injuries
This medicine is a leading homeopathic medicine for controlling pain in any part of the body resulting from injury/trauma. This medicine can also be used to relieve pain in the thumb after an injury. Individuals who require this medicine feel an aching, bruised pain in the thumb. In addition to injuries, Arnica is indicated for drawing pain in the right thumb and also for pain in the balls of the thumb, the fleshy part of the palm adjacent to the second joint of the thumb.
4. Causticum – For pain and numbness in the thumb
This medicine is indicated for pain and numbness in the thumb and possibly the index finger. The thumb and index finger may also feel swollen. This can hinder the movement of the hands. There may also be pain in the finger joints. Fingers may feel stiff. The tendons of the fingers may feel contracted.
5. Chamomilla – For thumb pain on movement
This medicine is recommended if there is pain in the thumb when it is moved. It is effective when thumb pain occurs due to excessive exertion of the thumb. It is also beneficial if thumb pain occurs due to a sprain. In addition to the pain, the thumb feels as if it is broken.
6. Ambra Grisea – For thumb pain that is made worse by light touch
Ambra Grisea is a prominently indicated drug for the treatment of thumb pain that worsens even with a light touch. This medicine is also very suitable for thumb pain accompanied by a tingling feeling in the thumb. Tingling may also occur in the fingers and hands. Tick pain is felt in the thumb and fingers. The fingers and thumb tips may itch, along with the above symptoms.
7. Spongia – For thumb pain that extends to the forearm
Spongia is a valuable medicine to help cases where pain from the thumb extends to the forearm. It is also indicated for the treatment of a stabbing pain in the anterior joint of the thumb. The thumb joint can be sore and sore when touched. Then this medicine is recommended for treating crampy pain in the balls of the thumb. The ball of the left thumb may itch. The itching does not go away even after rubbing. In addition, the finger joints may be red, swollen and stiff. There is difficulty bending the fingers. There may be stitching pain in the hands.
8. Palladium – For stabbing pain in the thumb
Palladium is indicated for treating stabbing pain in the thumb. Pain in the bones of the hand is mainly felt on the left side. Pain of nerve origin may occur in the right thumb. This nerve pain can be felt in the index finger, shoulder and arm as well as on the right side. Stitching pain may initially occur on the left side and then on the right side of the fingers.
9. Agaricus – For tearing thumb pain
Agaricus is another very useful medicine to treat thumb pain. In cases where this is necessary, there is tearing pain in the thumbs. Needle-like stitching can also be felt in the thumb. Pain in the thumb joint can also occur. A stinging sensation may be felt in the left thumb. During writing, cramping pain is felt in the ball of the thumb.
10. Sanguinaria Can – For pain in the ball of the 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. This pain usually extends to the wrist and back of the hand. Weakness is felt in the hands. There is difficulty using the hands because of pain and weakness. This medicine is also useful if thumb pain worsens in hot weather.
11. Asterias Rubens – For thumb joint pain extending to the shoulder
This medicine works well for pain in the thumb joint that extends to the shoulder. Pain in the tendons of the thumb on the left side may also be present. Itching may occur around the thumbnail where this medicine is needed.