Thumb
Watch this video to learn important basics for successful tape application. Whether you're managing thumb joint pain, CMC joint instability, or exploring kinesio taping for a thumb MCP joint, this guide can help.
Thumb pain usually presents as pain at the base of the thumb and wrist. A notable thumb pain condition includes De Quervain Syndrome, also known by many other names such as gamer’s thumb, mother’s wrist, and mommy thumb.
This condition in particular is a degenerative (microscopic injury) condition of the sheath (extensor retinaculum) that surrounds the tendons passing over the thumb side of the wrist. These tendons control the motions of the thumb, most specifically the movement of the thumb towards the wrist. KT Tape for thumb joint pain can be an effective and simple way to stabilize the joint while maintaining mobility.
When this sheath becomes injured or inflamed, the tendons become entrapped and cause pain during movement of the thumb. Thickening of the tendons from overuse or trauma will also cause problems when the tendons need to slide beneath the sheath. Women are considered at higher risk due to the sharper angles of the bones in the wrist, but the actual cause is somewhat unknown. Many believe overuse is the primary cause leading to inflammation.
This hypothesis is backed up by noting that most patients with this pain are new mothers who repeatedly lift their growing babies. Symptoms are most often noted in both wrists and to the same degree of pain, indicating that more overuse activity causes more inflammation leading to pain. Sprained thumb injuries, CMC joint strain, and repetitive wrist movement can all lead to inflammation, especially when combined with poor lifting mechanics.
When these conditions are present, movement of the thumb is restrained and further perpetuates the inflammatory condition and may create swelling in more severe cases. Pain is noted during thumb and wrist motion along with thickening and hardening of the area at the base of the thumb.
Difficulty gripping, tenderness at the base of the thumb, and swelling are common symptoms. Pain is usually slight to moderate, and extreme pain may be an indication of a more serious condition.
Taping the thumb joint with KT Tape can help reduce pressure and provide added stability. Jammed fingers and associated CMC joint stiffness may also benefit from KT Tape's supportive properties.
Treatment of the pain is determined more by noting what has worked in the past rather than scientific data. KT Tape has been shown to provide support during motion of the thumb and wrist, and has markedly reduced pain in many subjects*.
KT Tape for thumb pain is commonly used in cases of tendonitis, overuse, and carpal tunnel related discomfort.
Corticosteroid injections are thought to be successful but do need to be weighed against the negative side-effects of increased degenerative effects. Surgery has been well accepted and successful in almost all cases, but conservative therapies are highly preferred prior to making this leap. Ice after activity, rest, and avoidance of activities that incite pain are all important steps to avoid surgery. A focus on proper lifting mechanics will also help to avoid these symptoms in the future.
How to use KT Tape for thumb injuries starts with proper taping technique, which can reduce pain while enhancing joint stability and function.
For additional resources, please visit the KT Tape Forum.
*NOT CLINICALLY PROVEN FOR ALL INJURIES
Featured Products
to increase cellular oxygenation†
