How is the diagnosis of thumb pain made?
In order to make a diagnosis as to why there is pain in the thumb, the doctor should first of all base himself on the interview (anamnesis) to find out whether there may have been cases of rhizarthrosis in the family. Palpation, i.e. palpation of the thumb, can also be helpful. However, it is best to take an X-ray or CT scan to find the exact cause of the pain. The Finkelstein test also helps with an SMS thumb. Here the thumb should grasp an object, in the case of a very advanced inflammation, this can lead to a grinding in the tendon compartment.
Prognosis for thumb pain
The prognosis for thumb pain is usually very good. In the case of the so-called SMS thumb, the pain automatically disappears again when it is initially relieved and only in the final stage is an operation necessary, which is then usually crowned with success. The removal of an overbone also proceeds very well in most cases.
The resection arthoplasty is also a promising operation. Over 85% of all cases have no problems with pain in the thumb after the operation. Although the patient has to wear a plaster cast for 2 weeks and then a thumb splint for another 4 weeks, the other fingers can be used without any problems after the operation.
Prophylaxis – Preventing the aching thumb
There is no proper prophylaxis to avoid pain in the thumb. The SMS thumb is of course to be avoided by careful cell phone use. However, if the pain is due to an overleg or rhizarthrosis, there is little that can be done as a prophylaxis. Especially occupational groups that use the thumb a lot to pack objects have an increased risk of developing rhizarthrosis.
