My thumbs have not been functional since last January, and doctors can't find an explanation or effective treatment. What should I do next?
Starting ten months ago, I've had pain and weakness at the base of both of my thumbs; worse in my dominant hand. There was no clear reason for its onset. I can't pick up mugs or books with one hand, turn doorknobs, pull on socks, etc. Pain stops if I don't use them, but begins again as soon as I start. I went one solid month only using one hand, in case it was an "it'll get better if it can fully heal" thing, but it was back to painful immediately after I started using it again.
Since August, I've been working with an orthopedist, who immediately diagnosed it as carpal tunnel syndrome; my symptoms didn't really fit it, but in his experience that's the cause of 99% of hand problems. So he recommended the following treatments:
•Wrist braces at night. These led to new symptoms (tingling, numbness) regardless of how they were tightened, and he recommended discontinuing them.
•Tendon glide exercises. No improvement after eight weeks, and some additional symptoms (tingling in wrists).
•Cortisone shot in the wrist. No effect.
I just got MRIs of both hands which were normal. The orthopedist has no additional suggestions for me. Typical bloodwork is normal, including Lyme and B and D vitamins.
What should my next step be? I'm 44 and going without opposable thumbs for the rest of my life is kind of a big deal! If your suggestion is "find another orthopedist," that's cool, but based on my past experiences asking for second opinions, it's only helpful if you can tell me something specific to ask them for. |
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