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Thumb Feels Very Sore & Swollen, Have Cramps. Was Doing Handyman Work. Painful While Using Pruning. Cure For Symptoms?
My left hand thumb is very sore and swollen and occasionally I get cramp in this hand. It seems to go back when i was doing home handyman work at home some months ago with the cordless drill. I am not sure if it is to do with the muscles or the tendon's. It is the bottom larger section of the thumb where it attches to my hand, more on the palm side. It also become painful when using secatuers/pruning (did this about 6 weeks ago, my left hand cramped up and i had to pull my fingers out to come right again.. Recently I have just started riding a motorcyle and my left hand cramped up for a while. What do you suggets?
Wed, 17 Jul 2013
Hi! Thank you for your question and welcome to our site!
It seems like your left hand is strained due to occupational exposures. As you may have noticed, hand drills have vibrations that may potentially be harmful to tissues and connective tissue especially if you have prolonged exposure. Other tools like pruning shears can exacerbate the damage from vibrations due to the forces and repeated motions that you have to exert to cut.
For the meantime, rest your hand and apply some ice for twenty minutes (you may repeat this every hour) until the pain subsides. I suggest that you see a hand specialist (orthopedic surgeon) to see if you need a splint. He/she may order some Xrays of your hands.
Also, the importance of protective gear and the right equipment comes into your case. Make sure that you use gloves when using the drill to somehow decrease the impact of the vibrations. Try selecting shears that are more ergonomic and comfortable too.
I hope I was able to answer your query. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Take care!
Dr. Galera
It seems like your left hand is strained due to occupational exposures. As you may have noticed, hand drills have vibrations that may potentially be harmful to tissues and connective tissue especially if you have prolonged exposure. Other tools like pruning shears can exacerbate the damage from vibrations due to the forces and repeated motions that you have to exert to cut.
For the meantime, rest your hand and apply some ice for twenty minutes (you may repeat this every hour) until the pain subsides. I suggest that you see a hand specialist (orthopedic surgeon) to see if you need a splint. He/she may order some Xrays of your hands.
Also, the importance of protective gear and the right equipment comes into your case. Make sure that you use gloves when using the drill to somehow decrease the impact of the vibrations. Try selecting shears that are more ergonomic and comfortable too.
I hope I was able to answer your query. If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Take care!
Dr. Galera
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