Home remedies for thumb pain

Cold compression is a commonly used remedy for various aches, as it reduces inflammation, relieves muscle soreness and helps deal with spasms. Here's how to use it for thumb pain:

What you will need:

• 2-3 ice cubes
• Small towel
• Alternatively, you can use a gel ice pack

How to do it:

• Wrap the ice cubes or gel pack in a towel
• Gently apply this to the injured area for up to 20 minutes.
• You can do this throughout the day, with gaps of 2-3 hours.
• If you are applying an ice pack, remember to leave it in the refrigerator to cool in-between applications.

Heat application can help to soothe the pain of arthritis, stiffness and cramps. It can also help to relax your muscles, by improving blood flow to the area on which you apply heat.

However, heat therapy should never be used on an open or bleeding wound or on areas that are swollen. People living with high blood pressure and diabetes should check with their doctor before using this form of therapy.

What you will need:

• Warm water
• A small towel

How to do it:

• Soak the towel in warm water. The water should not be scalding hot, but comfortable to the touch.
• Squeeze the water out and gently cover or wrap your thumb in it. Repeat if the towel gets cold.
• You can do this for up to 20 minutes at a time.

Alternatively, you can use a hot water bottle. You can also use heat gel pack: remember, if it is microwavable, heat it for 30 seconds at a time so that it doesn't become too hot.

Read more: First aid for burns

Splints hold the thumb in place and can help speed up recovery times from sprains. Keeping the thumb still doesn’t put undue stress on the inflamed joints: this is an especially good idea for when you sleep. You can make your own splint by wrapping a pencil or stick around your thumb for support or get one from the local pharmacy.

Repetitive movement such as texting and playing video games (gamer's thumb) can put undue strain on your thumbs. Using hand tools for prolonged periods can have the same effect. It is a good idea to hold back from tasks that require a lot of dexterity and allow your thumb to relax and heal.

The yellow pigment in turmeric, curcumin, is a known analgesic (painkiller). It helps to reduce inflammation in the body.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the uses of turmeric in arthritis patients, published in the Journal of Medicinal Food in August 2016, found that turmeric could reduce symptoms like joint pain.

What you will need:

• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 cup water or milk

How to do it:

• In a small pan, boil a cup of water or milk - whichever you prefer.
• Add turmeric to the pan and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until all the liquid turns golden yellow.
• Drink this once a day, till the pain subsides.

Epsom salt contains magnesium which is though to release tension from the muscles.

What you will need:

• 1-2 teaspoons Epsom salt
• 1 bowl of warm water

How to do it:

• Mix the salt in the water, till it dissolves.
• Soak the injured thumb in it for 10-15 minutes.

Paracetamol can ease the pain. If the ache is especially bad, you can take these easily available pills. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

Simple hand exercises can relieve joint pain as well. If the pain worsens, though, stop right away. There are many exercises to try. Here are some exercises you can try:

• Start with your hand open and the fingers straight. Then, slowly make a fist with the thumb folded on the outside. Repeat 10 times.
• With your fingers straight and hand open, gently bend the thumb inwards and bring it toward the centre of your palm. If this is comfortable for you, try touching the base of your pinky finger and straightening the thumb. If you are unable to do this, don’t worry, just focus on bending your thumb inwards as much as you can.
• You can also try the "claw". Hold your hand out straight, and then bend all the fingers such that the tips come close or touch. The shape should resemble an "O" or look like a claw.