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Though many hands-related diseases and syndromes exist, nothing comes closer to the Gamer’s Thumb regarding pain and inflammation. Yes, you heard it right; Gamer’s Thumb is a medical condition where the tendon sheath beneath the skin gets irritated, resulting in severe pain and inflammation. Though it’ll offer normal pain in its initial stage, with passing time, it worsens. This blog post provides the best treatments for gamers’ thumbs.
Read until the last line, as this blog post can clear all your doubts regarding Gamer’s Thumb. But before delving into the gamer thumb pain treatments, let us provide quick information about the symptoms and causes of Gamer’s Thumb.
What exactly is Gamer’s Thumb?
The question ‘What is Gamer’s Thumb’ often trends on the internet as most people aren’t aware of the exact meaning of Gamer’s Thumb. Medically known as De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, it is a common clinical condition where the fibrous layer underneath the skin gets compressed or irritated, resulting in inflammation and gamer thumb pain. People (mainly women) over the age of 40 are more to get affected by Gamer’s Thumb.
Symptoms of Gamer’s Thumb:
Gamer’s Thumb, also known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, is a condition in the symptoms typically manifest gradually and are characterized by:
- Pain, inflammation, and swelling in the thumb area.
- Tenderness at the base of the thumb and difficulty gripping objects
- A popping or snapping sensation when moving the Thumb and swelling or warmth in the affected area.
- Individuals may experience weakness in the Thumb
- Difficulty performing simple tasks involving thumb movements, such as pressing buttons or using a joystick.
Causes of Gamer’s Thumb Disease:
Though the causes of Gamer’s Thumb are not proven yet, these are widely accepted by many medical experts. The most common causes of Gamer’s Thumb are as follows:
- Repetitive Hand Movements
- Hormonal Changes due to Pregnancy
- Aging (People over the age of 40 are more prone)
- Having an arthritis
Treatments for Gamer’s Thumb Disease:
Many treatment options are available on the market, ensuring complete removal of Gamer’s Thumb. We have divided this section into three parts- surgical, non-surgical, and home-based remedies for Gamer’s Thumb. Let’s just start first with home-based remedies.
Home-Based Remedies:
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Ice and Heat Therapy:
Ice and heat therapy is Gamer’s Thumb’s most basic home remedy. Your mom would be completely aware of this traditional home remedy for Gamer’s Thumb. Apply ice on the affected area for 15-20 minutes, then heat it properly for another 15-20 minutes. This will help to reduce inflammation and pain beneath the skin.
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Stretching Finger Exercises:
Another option an individual can consider is following a stretching exercise. Besides daily workouts, give extra time to perform stretching exercises. You can do it yourself or hire a physical therapist for this. But to be on the safer side, it is best to hire a physical therapist, as sometimes stretching can go wrong.
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Rest:
In case of pain in certain body parts, it is best to rest for some time. Avoid using your fingers in hand movements and neglects typing on your computer for some days. Moreover, you can also apply a splint or tape to regain the flexibility of your finger.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
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Ultrasound technology Based on De Quervain’s Wand:
Based on advanced ultrasound technology, De Quervain’s Wand is the best non-surgical treatment to reduce Gamer’s thumb pain. It transmits ultrasonic and far-infrared radiations beneath the skin. These radiations have a longer wavelength, which allows them to penetrate deep within the skin. Using this wand can provide effective results within a few weeks.
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Corticosteroids Injection:
Injecting corticosteroids into the body is another effective non-surgical treatment to reduce inflammation and pain. Unlike De Quervain’s Wand, you need help from a medical expert to perform this treatment. Usually, two injections of corticosteroids beneath the tendon sheath help to relieve 60% of the condition.
Surgical Treatments:
There’s no denying that surgical treatments are expensive and not budget-friendly, but the following treatments can offer extraordinary results. Surgical treatment is usually considered when conservative measures such as rest, splinting, medication, and physical therapy have not provided sufficient relief. Here are the surgical treatment options for Gamer’s Thumb:
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Gamer’s Thumb Release Surgery:
Gamer’s Thumb or tendon release surgery is the most common surgical procedure for this condition. It involves making a small incision at the base of the Thumb or on the side of the wrist to access the affected tendons. The surgeon then releases the tight sheath surrounding the tendons, allowing them to move more freely. This procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
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Endoscopic Surgery:
Another approach to surgical treatment is endoscopic surgery. This technique involves making one or two small incisions and inserting a thin tube with a camera (endoscope) into the wrist. The surgeon uses the endoscope to visualize and release the constricting sheath around the tendons, similar to traditional open surgery. Endoscopic surgery generally offers the advantage of smaller incisions and potentially faster recovery.
When to Consider Surgical Treatments:
It’s important to note that surgical treatment is typically considered after conservative measures have been tried and failed to provide relief. The decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Conclusion:
Gamer’s Thumb is a normal medical condition that occurs in all types of age groups. Many people often have a misconception about the Gamer’s Thumb being a serious disorder, but it is one of the commonest. On experiencing any of the symptoms, firstly consider home-based treatments such as rest, ice and heat therapy, and stretching finger exercise. Afterward, proceed to non-surgical treatment such as De Quervain’s Wand and corticosteroid injection. Consider surgical treatments under the doctor’s advice if a condition remains unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q-1. How to treat De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis at home?
Ans: Consider non-surgical treatments such as De Quervain’s Wand, based on ultrasound technology and corticosteroid injection to reduce Gamer’s thumb pain & inflammation.
Q-2. What is the best non-surgical Gamer’s thumb treatment?
Ans: Based on advanced ultrasound technology, De Quervain’s Wand emits ultrasonic and far-infrared radiations beneath the skin to reduce inflammation and tendon pain. Therefore, it is the best non-surgical Gamer’s thumb treatment.
Q-3. Which surgery to consider for Gamer’s Thumb?
Ans: Release and endoscopic surgery are the most effective surgeries to reduce Gamer’s Thumb pain and inflammation.
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