Discomfort and Rigidity in Thumb Joints
As an 18-year-old female standing about 5’3” tall, I currently do not track my weight precisely, but I’m assuredly not overweight. Apart from awaiting an autism diagnosis, I don’t have any other medical conditions to speak of. During my childhood, I engaged in thumb sucking, which I recognize as a detrimental habit possibly related to self-soothing; its connection to autism is uncertain, and I don’t dwell on it much. However, in recent winters, I’ve experienced increasing soreness and stiffness in the interphalangeal (IP) joint of my thumb, the one I used to suck on. This winter has intensified my discomfort, as I’ve noticed it has extended to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint as well. Additionally, I encounter sharp pain if I hold my thumb in one position for too long, such as during an extended session of playing Xbox. The pain feels acutely hot, and I find myself questioning whether my past thumb sucking has caused any injury or what might be the underlying issue with my thumb.
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 8:50:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
Summary: Your thumb discomfort and stiffness could be due to joint strain or inflammation, potentially exacerbated by repetitive movements or environmental factors. While childhood habits like thumb-sucking are unlikely to cause direct physical injury, it's important to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Explanation: The soreness and stiffness you're feeling in your thumb joints may suggest conditions like tendinitis or early signs of arthritis, especially since you mentioned increased pain during prolonged activities like gaming. The symptoms worsening in winter could be related to cold weather affecting joint health. Joint pain, particularly if it's sharp and feels hot, can indicate inflammation, which might arise from overuse or repetitive strain, especially in a young individual.
Next Steps:
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Modify Activity: Reduce the duration and intensity of activities that put strain on your thumbs, like gaming. Take regular breaks to rest your hands.
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Gentle Stretching: Implement gentle thumb stretches and exercises to improve flexibility and relieve stiffness. For example, try moving your thumb in a circle or gently bending it back.
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Warmth and Comfort: Use a warm compress on your thumb joints to alleviate soreness, especially during colder months. Heat can help improve blood flow and reduce stiffness.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of your symptoms, noting the intensity and duration of discomfort in relation to activities you engage in. This will help identify patterns and triggers.
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Evaluate Ergonomics: Ensure your gaming setup is ergonomic. Try adjusting your position or using supportive devices to minimize thumb stress.
If symptoms persist or worsen, consider exploring additional options for management.
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