Pain at the base of your thumb from heavy phone use? Read this

In our daily lives, the thumb is a part of the body that is used heavily and constantly, in activities such as using a phone, carrying things and working. It is therefore inevitable that pain can develop at the base of the thumb. A common condition is:

De Quervain’s disease (de Quervain's tenosynovitis, inflammation of the wrist tendon sheath) This is caused by friction between the outer thumb tendons and their sheath, which makes the tendon sheath thicken and then become inflamed. This causes pain when moving the thumb or wrist, and sometimes even when not using them. It is common in people who use their wrists repetitively and move them back and forth all the time.

Initial treatment If inflammation occurs in the first 1–2 days, or there is pain, swelling, redness and warmth, apply a cold compress or soak your hand in cold water to relieve the inflammation first. After that, you can look after yourself as follows:
1. Soak your hand in warm water or apply a warm compress with an electric heat pad for 10–15 minutes at a time, at least 2–3 times a day, while moving and stretching your fingers.
2. Avoid activities that put heavy load on the thumb and wrist, or avoid repetitive use.
3. Wear a support, such as a wrist-thumb support, to help limit thumb movement.

A wrist-thumb support

If it does not improve within 3–5 days, or the pain is so severe that you cannot use your hand, see a doctor or physical therapist promptly for an assessment and an appropriate treatment plan. If you do not yet want surgery, physical therapy equipment can be used for treatment, such as focused shockwave therapy, high-power laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound and electrical stimulation, to help reduce inflammation and pain and stimulate tissue repair. Another option is injections to help reduce pain and stimulate repair using concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP), for fast, effective and safe results.

The most important thing, however, is to look after and protect yourself: avoid activities that put heavy load on the thumb and wrist and constant repetitive movements, and take regular breaks. If you cannot stop using your hand, stretch your thumb often and soak your hand in warm water to prevent severe inflammation.