Doctor, why does my thumb hurt?

Abstract

Background: Stable and pain-free thumb function and pinch is vital for personal care, work, domestic and leisure activities.

Objective: The aim of this article is to increase awareness of timely referral to hand therapists for three common thumb conditions. This article covers three thumb conditions: acute trauma (ulnar collateral ligament), repetitive trauma (De Quervain's tendinopathy) and chronic progression (basal thumb osteoarthritis).

Discussion: The Australian Hand Therapy Association awards accreditation to occupational therapists and physiotherapists with specialist knowledge of the upper limb. Understanding the role of hand therapy in clinical testing, custom orthoses and exercise prescription benefits general practitioners, as timely referrals yield optimal functional outcomes for patients.