Experiencing Hand Locking and Thumb Immobilization
At 21 years old, identifying as AFAB, standing 5'7" and weighing 110 pounds, I am not currently on any medication, and I neither smoke nor use recreational drugs. Having lived with Raynaud's phenomenon my entire life, I was informed in 2023 that there might be some issue with my aortic valve being less robust than usual, though this was never discussed further or documented. Since around 2019, I've been experiencing troubling sensations in both of my hands. It often feels like my fingers and palms are engulfed by an intense tingling or "pins and needles" sensation, which leads to my thumbs unexpectedly freezing in place. When this happens, they tend to either flatten against my palm in a position resembling a number 4 or press tightly alongside my index finger. Although I can still manually move my thumbs—like laying my hand flat on a surface and applying pressure or having someone assist me by extending my thumb—they quickly revert to their original position once that support is gone. I consulted a doctor in 2021, and the sole explanation I received was that it might be a reaction triggered by adrenaline. This makes sense since the episodes have occurred during moments of heightened stress; however, it can also happen while I'm simply eating. Typically, these episodes last anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, but there have been instances where the stiffness persisted for as long as two hours. I’ve considered using a thumb brace to maintain functionality during these occurrences, but since they happen irregularly—sometimes multiple times in a day or only once a month—I'm uncertain if it would even be worthwhile to invest in such a solution.
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 11:40:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing quite concerning symptoms related to your hands, including involuntary thumb positioning and tingling sensations. Given your history of Raynaud's phenomenon and the potential aortic valve issue, it's important to address these symptoms carefully.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms may be related to stress or vascular issues, but their irregularity and impact on function warrant some focused self-care.
- Introducing supportive measures, like a thumb brace, might provide comfort and functionality during episodes.
- Keeping track of your episodes can help identify triggers and patterns.
Explanation: The sensations you're describing, including tingling and thumb immobilization, could potentially be related to a few factors, including vascular changes from Raynaud's, nerve compression, or even anxiety responses given that you mentioned episodes often arise during stress. It's also possible that they could be related to your ligaments and joints responding to stressors or movements.
Next Steps:
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Consider a Thumb Brace: Since these episodes can hinder your daily activities, investing in a thumb brace may provide immediate relief and support during episodes. Look for a brace that is adjustable and comfortable, which you can wear when you anticipate a situation that may trigger your symptoms.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document when the episodes occur, how long they last, and any associated activities or stressors. This information can be helpful for future discussions with a healthcare provider.
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Practice Stress Management: Since stress seems to be a component of these episodes, consider incorporating relaxing techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation into your daily routine. These practices may help reduce the frequency and impact of your symptoms.
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Stay Warm: Given your history with Raynaud's phenomenon, ensure your hands remain warm during cold weather or when you are stressed, as temperature changes can exacerbate symptoms.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep an eye on how often these episodes occur and if there are any changes in their intensity or duration. Report any significant changes to a healthcare provider in the future for a more thorough evaluation.
If your symptoms worsen or if new, concerning symptoms arise, it would be a good idea to follow up with a healthcare provider for a more in-depth assessment. Please know you're not alone in dealing with this, and taking proactive steps can help manage your condition effectively.
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