Associated symptoms
Pain between thumb and index finger is often accompanied by swelling or hematomas (bruises). This would most likely indicate a bleeding, inflammation or abscess. Nerve injuries are accompanied by pain, usually also by a tingling sensation in the affected area and a reduction in strength and a decrease in muscle tone.
For almost all causes, a certain “relieving posture” can be observed in patients. The thumb is usually opposed to relieve the pain. Opposition is the movement that one makes in order to be able to touch the little finger with one’s thumb.
A swelling between the thumb and the index finger can have many causes. The reason is that this area is mainly formed by soft tissue and muscles, which are very well supplied with blood and can therefore swell quickly and strongly. Frequent causes are bruises, inflammations or abscesses as well as overstraining/tension of the musculature.
There are many blood vessels between thumb and index finger, which is why a traumatic event is the most common reason for swelling. This can be, for example, an impact injury or bruising. If, in addition to the swelling, the affected area is reddened, tense or very painful, this is more likely to be an inflammation or an abscess and should be clarified by a doctor.
Diagnosis
Many of the causes of pain between thumb and index finger do not require treatment. These usually include bruising, sore muscles, overstrain, strains, minor inflammation and slight nerve damage, such as pinching or bruising of the nerve. However, if the inflammation or abscess is more extensive and persistent, treatment with antibiotics or surgical splitting may be necessary.
If the nerves are injured or if there is increasing entrapment, an examination of the nerves by a neurologist should be performed. In any case, sparing and cooling the affected area can be helpful. A bandage can be used for various diseases that cause pain in the area between thumb and index finger.
A bandage serves to immobilize and stabilize the hand. Movements that cause pain should be reduced in this way. In the case of diseases such as inflammation of tendon sheaths, the hand should be given the opportunity to heal.
The same applies to carpal syndrome, which in its early stages often causes pain in the area of the thumb, index finger and middle finger at night. Whether a bandage is really useful in the cause of the complaints should be discussed with the treating physician. Similar to a bandage, Kinesio-Tape is used to fix structures such as joints and muscles.
The benefit of tape depends on the cause of the complaints. If the pain comes from the wrist and radiates into the area between thumb and index finger, tape can be quite useful. It can be applied individually and fix the pain-causing structures according to personal needs. For the first application of tape, you should have an experienced physiotherapist wrap the tape around your wrist. Afterwards you can buy tape yourself and continue using it at home.