Arthritis
Localized pain, at the base of the thumb, is a common early symptom caused from wear and tear - resulting in arthritis. Early disease can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections into the joint, or splinting.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused from pressure on a tunnel in the wrist which contains both the median nerve and tendons that allow your fingers and thumb to bend. Common symptoms of CTS are numbness and tingling in the hand, especially at night; pain with prolonged gripping, such as holding a steering wheel; clumsiness handling objects; or pain reaching all the way up to the shoulder. Treatments include splinting or bracing to rest the wrist (mild cases), or steroid injections into the carpal canal to decrease swelling (severe cases). Individuals that do not respond to non-surgical treatment, and those that are diagnosed late, may require a carpal tunnel release (CTR), which is generally done in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia.
De Quervain's
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is an inflammation of tissue on the thumb side of the wrist, which causes the tendons and synovium to become irritated, resulting in pain. Ice, an anti-inflammatory medication (such as Ibuprofen), and cortisone injections may decrease the swelling enough that the pain disappears, but an outpatient surgical release of the tendon sheath may be necessary.
Dupuytrens
Dupuytrens contracture is a disease caused from the thickening of certain tissues in the palm, which limits the use of the hand by hindering the ability to straighten the fingers. Men aged 50 - 60, whose families come from northern European countries, are most likely to get Dupuytrens, and outpatient surgery may be needed to release the fingers, so they can straighten again.
Ganglion Cysts
These are the most common mass or lump in the hand, usually seen on the back of the wrist and disappear or change size quickly. These non-cancerous, fluid-filled cysts arise from ligaments, joint linings, or tendon sheaths when irritation/inflammation occurs.
Trigger Finger
The inflammation of tissue inside your finger or thumb is called tenosynovitis, and if the tendon becomes swollen and starts to catch or lock, it is a trigger finger. Symptoms may be worse in the morning, and are sometimes caused from repeated use of tools. Medications, injections, or massage may be enough to alleviate symptoms, but an outpatient surgical release may be required.