Dealing with Tendinitis in the Left Thumb and Wrist: Should I Rest or Keep Moving?
As an active 66-year-old man involved in various sports, I've recently embraced racquet sports, even though I'm right-handed. Over the summer, my activity level decreased, and I've begun to experience discomfort in my left thumb and wrist, which has lasted for two months now. The intensity of the pain is manageable, and I've been cautiously moving my thumb and wrist; however, the discomfort has not improved. In an effort to alleviate the pain, I've started wearing a wrist splint, particularly during the night, yet my symptoms have worsened. This leaves me uncertain about the best course of action—should I opt for complete rest or incorporate gentle movements? It's been a while since I last visited the gym, but I'm contemplating a session with light weights tomorrow to see if it helps.
Answers (1)
8/26/2025, 12:12:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing discomfort due to tendinitis in your left thumb and wrist, which can often be aggravated by activity, especially after a period of reduced use. The key points to consider are balancing rest with gentle movement, as well as evaluating your current strategies for managing symptoms.
Explanation
Tendinitis happens when a tendon (the tissue connecting muscle to bone) becomes inflamed, often due to overuse or strain from activities. With your active lifestyle and recent increase in racquet sports, it’s understandable that your wrist and thumb are feeling the effects. Pain after two months suggests that while some rest is needed, completely immobilizing your wrist could also hinder recovery. Gentle movement can help maintain flexibility and strength.
Next Steps
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Modify Activities:
- Rest: Aim for regular breaks during any activities that cause pain. Reduce racquet sports and avoid heavy lifting for now.
- Gentle Movement: Incorporate light stretching and range-of-motion exercises for your thumb and wrist without causing pain. This can help maintain mobility.
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Ice Therapy:
- Apply ice to your thumb and wrist for 15-20 minutes, several times a day. This can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
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Wrist Splint Usage:
- Continue wearing your splint while engaging in activities or at night, but ensure it doesn’t restrict blood flow and is comfortable. If it’s causing more discomfort, consider adjusting the fit or frequency of wear.
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Pain Management:
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation if you don’t have any contraindications.
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Gradual Return to Activity:
- If you’re considering the gym, start with very light weights or resistance band exercises that do not strain your wrist. Monitor your pain and stop any exercise that increases discomfort.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your pain levels and any changes. If your symptoms continue to worsen over the next week or you experience swelling or severe pain, consider seeking professional advice.
By following these steps, you should start to see improvement in your symptoms without compromising your active lifestyle. Always listen to your body and prioritize activities that do not exacerbate your discomfort. Let me know if you need further assistance or more detailed explanations on any step!
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