Thumb Tendonitis - 3 Steps to Check and Know for Sure

As we all know, our hands are used constantly all day long for almost everything that we do. If we injure our fingers or hands, this could impact how we perform our daily tasks at work, home and play.

Health injuries such as thumb tendonitis and De Quervain's tendonitis can impact how we do these things also. These can occur by a number of factors.

Do I have Tendonitis of the thumb? What is it?

Let's talk a minute about tendonitis in the thumb. Sometimes this can happen when you have an irritation or swelling of the hand tendons. Usually this will happen on the thumb side of the wrist.

What happens is the irritation that you have causes the compartment that the tendon runs in to swell. The shape of the compartment changes. The tendon can't move as it should in this compartment. Pain and tenderness occurs along the thumb side of the wrist. This pain can be felt if you go to grasp something, make a fist or by turning the wrist.

Thumb tendonitis and a repetitive motion injury

If you have a job or some task that you have to use a repetitive motion, can cause this problem. This repeated movement over the years will or can cause pain in the hand, possibly injured nerves (carpal tunnel syndrome), you can have locking fingers (trigger finger) and loss of movement or pain that effects the thumb.

How do you know you have thumb tendonitis? Some signs and symptoms.

Pain on the thumb side of the wrist is the main symptom. This pain may appear gradually or even suddenly. This may even seem like an arthritic pain. The pain is felt in the wrist, but can travel up the forearm.

You can feel a severe pain when you go and grab something or when you are twisting your wrist. Swelling will probably be obvious in the thumb area. A catching or locking of the fingers including the thumb may start to happen. You may start to feel a numbness on the index finger and the back of the thumb.

How can I treat this?

One of the initial treatments is a thumb splint or brace to help support the thumb. Resting and some type of anti-inflammatory medication can be helpful. Icing the effective area can decrease the inflammation.

When suffering from thumb tendonitis or De Quervain's tendonitis, you doctor may have you get a cortisone injection. This is going to help with the swelling and the pain. I have had them and they do work quite well. Be careful taking multiple injections in that this can weaken the tendon and cause more damage.

Sometimes surgery can become necessary. This would happen if the pain remains constant or if it continues to come back. Surgery sometimes is a good options and can cure the problem. It is just a small incision and is day surgery, you are in and out. You just wear a splint until the stitches are removed.

How to tell if you have Thumb Tendonitis For Sure

A simple 3 step test to tell if you are suffering from thumb tendonitis or even Dequervain's tendonitis. The following is the way to tell.

* What you need to do first is to make a fist by having the fingers over the thumb.

* What you want to do next is bend the wrist in the direction of the little finger.

* If you are suffering from thumb tendinitis, the person is going to find this very painful. You are also going to find tenderness to the touch directly over the thumb side of the wrist.

Now you know how to see if you are really suffering from thumb tendonitis. Two steps and you know for sure. 

By Steve A Madigan

10 Best Healing Spices and Herbs from your Kitchen

Turmeric

This golden spice, used in almost every meal in India is very valuable."It is a very powerful healer. It prevents growth of cancer cells and thus can prevent cancer,"says Mumbai-based nutritionist Naini Setalvad. Its anti-inflammato ry properties reduces swelling caused due to pain."It also said to prevent alzhiemers and said to reduce severity of pain caused due to arthritis,"says Mumbai-based nutritionist Maithili Pashtekar. This spice also acts as an antioxidant that helps lower cholesterol.

Cinnamon

Often used in coffees and other desserts, cinnamon is said to have the ability to reduce blood sugar levels."This spice contains antioxidants that help lowering levels of bad cholesterol,"says Naini. More good news for women- including this spice in your diet will also ensure less painful cycles.

Ginger

Good ol'ginger candy has always been an instant cure to motion sickness or has curbed a feeling of nausea. The spice does more than that."It improves your digestive process and prevents stomach disorders like flatulence,"says Naini. It is also said to regularize blood flow, thus maintaining your blood pressure.

Basil

Holy basil or tulsi is said to be a great de-stressor as it"reduces levels of serotonin,"Maithili says. Try a tea made of basil leaves and ginger for relief from indigestion, headaches and fever. Chewing on leaves of basil could also reduce symptoms of bronchitis and asthma.

Garlic

This condiment lowers your chances of getting cancer. Other than that, according to Naini,"it helps in lowering bad cholesterol and keeping your blood pressure in control."It also has anti viral properties and helps in clearing your sinuses."It helps to digest iron and protein,"says Maithili. Garlic is also a powerful antioxidant that protects your body against damage from free radicals.

Cumin

Cumin powder in water with salt and lemon is probably the best way to curb a diarrhoea attack."It also acts as a blood purifier and is an excellent remedy for stomach cramps,"says Naini. Due to its cooling properties, it is added to most drinks and juices during summer.

Mustard

Mustard seeds is said to curb the growth of cancer cells."it also has anti inflammatory properties and is said to restore normal sleeping patterns in women with symptoms of menopause,"says Maithili. It also reduces severity of asthma and lowers high blood pressure.

Saffron

Saffron is a powerful antioxidant too."It is said to be an anti-depressant and can cure bladder, liver and kidney disorders,"says Naini. A li'l saffron in your tea can relieve you of a cold too. Saffron also has antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties. Rubbing saffron on sore gums can provides relief.

Cardamom

Known as elaichi, this spice is also effective in curing stomach cramps. It is also said to cure other stomach disorders like flatulence and acidity."It also improves your circulation to your lungs, Maithili says. Boil water and add mint leaves and cardamom to it and have it to cure hiccups, suggests Naini.

Mint

Mint or pudina is known to ease symptoms of the irritable bowel syndrome. It is also known to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Mint oil when rubbed on your forehead soothes headaches too. Mint paste while applied on pimples and acne can cure it.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ACID REFLUX

Acid reflux, also called heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), happens when stomach acid rises into the esophagus due to a weakened esophageal sphincter, according to doctors at the Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology clinic. Chest discomfort, a burning sensation in your upper stomach or lower throat and occasionally a bad taste in your mouth characterize the disease. If you're tired of buying a new pack of antacids every day, perhaps a diet change can do the trick.

Complex Carbs
Eat breads and grains that are low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates, recommends Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Try to avoid heavily processed breads that are high in fat and low in nutrition. Writers at Health Castle recommend eating multiple small meals every day instead of large meals since a large meal on your stomach requires additional stomach acids. Make sure you eat plenty of rice, pasta and breads. These help ensure that the acids in your stomach have complex foods to break down.

Vegetables/Fruits
Avoid processed fruits and vegetables or foods that have a high citric acid content, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. Its doctors recommend eating apples, bananas and other fresh fruit. Apples are high in complex carbohydrates, and researchers at HealthCave.com say that they contain chemicals that help strengthen the sphincter muscle that causes acid reflux. Bananas are natural antacids, according to the website. Another helpful tip is to take 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar with lukewarm water daily. Researchers at HealthCave.com say the solution helps prevent acid buildup.

Dairy Products
Milk, cheese and other dairy products are naturally high in calcium, a natural inhibitor of stomach acid, according to HealthCave.com. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology notes that you should choose skim or other low-fat dairy products because foods that contain high fat content will remain in your stomach for a longer period than low-fat foods. You should also avoid eating at fast food chains, since many of the products found in fast food restaurants are high in fat content.

Natural Antibiotics