thenar/thumb pain

[elk]

I think it's from using my thumbs on my laptop...but I have pain in the fleshy part of my thumb, and thumb joint...

Currently (knock wood) it is the only part of riding that is difficult; but after I grade papers or ride it hurts. HOlding a pen or the bars...

Anyone have any suggestions? Any hand excercises?

[KnottedYet]

hands are pretty intricate and crucial critters. Can you go see a hand therapist? (most likely an occupational therapist with a speciality in hands)

(I wouldn't want to try to work with a hand over the internet.)

Meanwhile, how about some ice and a nice big-grip pen like a Dr. Grip?

[elk]

Yes. I just remembered I have a friend who is an OT..

Yes. Ice. OK Dr Grip...

[malaholic]

I have no great suggestions, only healing wishes. Good luck with the OT, I hope s/he can help you out! How are you using your thumbs on the laptop that is making them hurt? Is it just the spacebar, or are you reaching them down to a touchpad mouse or something like that?

[solobiker]

I too am wondering how the laptop is postioned. From an ergonomic prespective postioning could be the key to comfort. Also do you have any nerve pain running up your arm?

[elk]

well..it is on my lap. it is a MacBook. I tend to use my thumb on the spacebar AND to click the mousepad. I use my middle finger for the mouspad.

[Cyclo Kitty]

I get this a lot, and it can really hurt! I noticed last night that the MacBook "Everything Mac" booklet has a diagram of how your hands should be positioned, at least from above.

For me, it's a combination of things: writing a lot, a certain pair of gloves with the padding just a little off of where it should be, and knitting. If you ride or write more than I do, that would take the place of the knitting fatigue

For home treatment, I try to do massage the thumb muscle during the day and I experimented with gloves and hand positions on the bike. I find that the hoods sometimes migrate inwards, and I have to move them back where they belong; that helped. And the glove padding--if it is too much in the wrong place, that seems to matter. (It got worse when I got new gloves)

Good luck!

[OakLeaf]

My thumbs and wrists are much happier since I set my touchpad up for tap-click (I'm on a MacBook also). And the two-fingered scrolling eliminates two clicks altogether. It's all in System Preferences under Keyboard and Mouse.

[elk]

Writing, knitting, embroidery, riding, typing...we do it all here too...

I will definately check my System Preferances for options..great idea.

My doctor has me use ICE (she says take a break every hour or so to ice it) and at night, Castor Oil slathered on and cotton gloves...(to prevent staining. Castor Oil is a powerful anti inflammatory...but it wasn't much help there.
Since I've become mindful, they are better...

thanks.

OMG Oak Leaf!!!! Brilliant!! It'll take some habit changing...but I think it will help a great deal!!