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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Pain And Swelling In The Thumb?

My husband is in extreme pain with his thumb. It is swollen and tender. Even Tramadol,which I happened to have on hand, has not helped. Neither has ibuprofen, and even with a sleeping pill, he is not able to sleep. We suspect that it is some kind of nail fungus, as it is most tender near the nail and on the side of his thumb. He has tried soaking it a few times in epsom salts and hot water, which has helped a little but not much. It is a weekend, and we re not sure if we should go to the emergency room or not, or what to do. He s had it for almost 10 days, and we kept thinking it would just go away on its own. He just had a physical on Thursday, and the doctor did not seem that concerned, and so did not provide him with a prescription for anything. But since then, it has gotten worse. Any advice? Thanks.
Thu, 27 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi
Thanks for posting your query on HCM
Swollen and painful thumb is most often neglected at its initial stage which may worsen as time passes.The treatment of this condition depends on the underlying cause.Possible causes may include:
-Trauma and injury to the thumb
-stress and strain on the thumb jointdue to overuse of thumb while texting messages or playing guitar and violin...
-Arthritis and osteoarthritis
-Thumb tendonitis and bursitis
-Insect bites and stings can also cause thumb swelling
-Infection of the thumb
I will advise
*you continue with tramadol
*Add an anti-inflammatory like aceclofenac
*A local pain gel like voltarene
*Ice/heat therapy
If these measures do not help, you take him to the Doctor for examination.If pain subsides, you see the Doctor on Monday for investigation.
Hope this will help
Best regards
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What Causes Severe Pain And Swelling In The Thumb?

Hi Thanks for posting your query on HCM Swollen and painful thumb is most often neglected at its initial stage which may worsen as time passes.The treatment of this condition depends on the underlying cause.Possible causes may include: -Trauma and injury to the thumb -stress and strain on the thumb jointdue to overuse of thumb while texting messages or playing guitar and violin... -Arthritis and osteoarthritis -Thumb tendonitis and bursitis -Insect bites and stings can also cause thumb swelling -Infection of the thumb I will advise *you continue with tramadol *Add an anti-inflammatory like aceclofenac *A local pain gel like voltarene *Ice/heat therapy If these measures do not help, you take him to the Doctor for examination.If pain subsides, you see the Doctor on Monday for investigation. Hope this will help Best regards