Handquilters.... what to do for thumb pain?
02-28-2011, 01:08 AM
#52
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: "stashed" away in a mound of fabric
Posts: 655
Originally Posted by Maura
I'm a reflexologist, so I am coming from that direction. Have someone massage your hand, using a drop of olive oil to reduce friction. His thumbs should be on the back of your hand, his fingers doing little rotations on the palm. Then, his fingertips should stroke the palm, wrist to knuckles. This should be relaxing. Next he should make circles on the pad below the thumb. Press with index finger and thumb between your index finger and thumb in the fatty area. It may hurt- a little pain is alright, don't get carried away. The pressure can be constant, or he can press and let go several times.
Still with me. Have him use his thumb and index finger to stroke between the long bones on the backside of the hand (one finger on back of hand, other on palm). He should now be able to crack your knuckles easily as he lightly twists your fingers a little.
He then runs a finger or thumb on the underside of your arm from your wrist (near thumb) along the bone about half way up the forearm. You'll find sore spots. He should massage your forearm.
Stretch your hands, opening them up and closing them several times. Next, massage from the base of the skull to the center of the upper back. With all of this done, lie on the floor facing the ceiling. Put your arms out so you resemble the letter "t". Bring arms straight up so the hands meet. Drop back into the t. Do this twenty times.
Still with me. Have him use his thumb and index finger to stroke between the long bones on the backside of the hand (one finger on back of hand, other on palm). He should now be able to crack your knuckles easily as he lightly twists your fingers a little.
He then runs a finger or thumb on the underside of your arm from your wrist (near thumb) along the bone about half way up the forearm. You'll find sore spots. He should massage your forearm.
Stretch your hands, opening them up and closing them several times. Next, massage from the base of the skull to the center of the upper back. With all of this done, lie on the floor facing the ceiling. Put your arms out so you resemble the letter "t". Bring arms straight up so the hands meet. Drop back into the t. Do this twenty times.
02-28-2011, 05:30 AM
#53
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Chili, New York (Rochester)
Posts: 1,147
Originally Posted by #1piecemaker
Put rubbing achohol on your fingers and thumb especiall y before you go to bed. It will pull the soreness right out of them.
02-28-2011, 09:53 AM
#55
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 1,029
The answer to your question is it depends on why it hurts. If you have muscle cramps because you are using muscles you haven't used much before, then rest, heat (or cold) and NSAIDS and gradual building up of those muscles will work. You may have to cut down on the amount of time you sew at a time (down to 1 or 2 hours).
If you have a dull ache, sharp pain or numbness or tingling you probably have a repetitive motion injury (carpal tunnel or tennis elbow are 2 examples) and you have some part of your hand/wrist inflamed and its causing pressure on a nerve. Again, you must rest it to allow for the swelling to go down, and NSAIDS and ice can do wonders.
In either case, you may find a brace helps you avoid over-stressing the part of your wrist or hand that is getting hurt.
I would recommend seeing a MD and letting he or she diagnose you, and seeing a physical or occupational therapist who specializes in hand issues. I won't poo-poo chiropractors, I have met a few who were really skilled at manual therapy, I will tell you that not all are equal and a few are borderline charlatans, so get a referral and look for someone with a good reputation. I would personally choose an upper extremity specialist therapist over a chiro, but that's probably because I am a therapist myself. :)
Beth
(aka occupational therapist)
If you have a dull ache, sharp pain or numbness or tingling you probably have a repetitive motion injury (carpal tunnel or tennis elbow are 2 examples) and you have some part of your hand/wrist inflamed and its causing pressure on a nerve. Again, you must rest it to allow for the swelling to go down, and NSAIDS and ice can do wonders.
In either case, you may find a brace helps you avoid over-stressing the part of your wrist or hand that is getting hurt.
I would recommend seeing a MD and letting he or she diagnose you, and seeing a physical or occupational therapist who specializes in hand issues. I won't poo-poo chiropractors, I have met a few who were really skilled at manual therapy, I will tell you that not all are equal and a few are borderline charlatans, so get a referral and look for someone with a good reputation. I would personally choose an upper extremity specialist therapist over a chiro, but that's probably because I am a therapist myself. :)
Beth
(aka occupational therapist)
02-28-2011, 09:56 AM
#56
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
when my hands/thumb gets too sore to continue i rub 'MYOFLEX' into my hands, it is grease-less; no smell; and eases arthritis...it also eases those cramping fingers from too much hand sewing :thumbup: a bit of that, a couple tylenols and a cup of tea and i'm usually ready to go back at it. i would recommend shorter sewing times.
02-28-2011, 10:11 AM
#57
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,322
While it is not bad advice to see an MD and an OT, my 30 years of experience dictates that most MD's dont have a clue about musculo-skeltal problems and you will spend alot of money getting nowhere and possibly end up with a gut bleed.
While there may be charlatans in chiropractic, they are in every profession including all aspects of the medical field. Your "examination" most times in the FP's office will be cursory for this problem and the advice will be minimal. If you want it fixed rest, do alot of the home therapy prescibed and go to a chiropractor that works with extremity problems.
While there may be charlatans in chiropractic, they are in every profession including all aspects of the medical field. Your "examination" most times in the FP's office will be cursory for this problem and the advice will be minimal. If you want it fixed rest, do alot of the home therapy prescibed and go to a chiropractor that works with extremity problems.
02-28-2011, 10:44 AM
#58
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Chili, New York (Rochester)
Posts: 1,147
[quote=seamstome] you will spend alot of money getting nowhere and possibly end up with a gut bleed.{/quote]
My doctor has told me that NSAIDs will kill your stomach which is why he doesn't recommend them longer than a day or two. He said people just want fast relief and don't ever look at the side effects. That's why I use an anti-inflammatory herbal combination that works wonders.
My doctor has told me that NSAIDs will kill your stomach which is why he doesn't recommend them longer than a day or two. He said people just want fast relief and don't ever look at the side effects. That's why I use an anti-inflammatory herbal combination that works wonders.
02-28-2011, 06:52 PM
#60
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 1,029
Originally Posted by seamstome
While there may be charlatans in chiropractic, they are in every profession including all aspects of the medical field.
I will disagree, though, on having an MD start the process. Most MDs will gladly refer you to someone when you have a specialized problem, as they often don't have those skills, and in case there's something else going on its probably good to have it looked at first.
You might also check your insurance ahead of time as referrals to chiros and therapists may have stipulations and you may need to choose from a smaller group of providers.
To the OP I sure hope your hand feels better soon! And seamstome, its great you had a good experience with your chiro and found relief. No one should be in pain all the time!
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