Perhaps you have heard of it or have it yourself: hammer thumb. A condition involving a wide thumb and wide, short nail. Are you curious about what exactly hammer thumb is and how to get rid of it? We will tell you all about it.
Although the name sometimes causes confusion, a hammer thumb is not a thumb that has been hit with a hammer. Nevertheless, a hammer thumb looks a bit like a hammer, hence the name. It is a wide thumb with a wide, short nail.
So what is a hammer thumb?
Hammer thumb, also called claw thumb, is a condition of your thumb where it remains in a bent position. The first phalanx in the thumb is curved and the second phalanx is straight, giving it a curved appearance. This may lead to pain, stiffness and limitations in the movement of the thumb.
How does it arise?
There are several possible causes for hammer thumb.
- For example, arthritis, a disease in which your joints become inflamed, may cause an abnormality in the thumb. Because these inflammations may lead to hardening and calcification of the ligaments and joints in the hand, the thumb remains in a bent position;
- An injury to the hand or thumb can also lead to damage to the ligaments and joints, which causes the thumb to remain in a bent position;
- Another possibility is heredity. Some people have a hereditary predisposition to it;
- And finally, it is even possible to develop hammer thumb from overuse. For example, by squeezing and grabbing too often.
Are there treatments for it?
Yes, depending on the severity and cause, there are treatments for hammer thumb.
- Physical therapy helps strengthen and stretch the ligaments and muscles in the hand. This may return the thumb to its normal position.
- Wearing a splint may reduce pain and stiffness. Splinting helps to support and keep the thumb straight.
- Corticosteroid injections help reduce inflammation and pain in some cases.
- If it is necessary to replace or repair the ligaments and joints in the hand, surgery is necessary.
- It helps to take painkillers to reduce pain and inflammation.
