I'm usually on the computer even at school and I'm a fast typer. I started texting awhile back and use my ipod touch all the time. The pain is right below my thumb and it hurts when I apply pressure. It only comes every once in awhile..Do I have Carpal Tunnel? If yes or even know is there a way to relieve the pain??
Please don't say"stop applying pressure" because I have to for daily stuff.
AMZMD
Chances are you have a mild case of tendonitis at the base of your thumb. Its an overuse injury very similar to "tennis elbow" and is becoming very common in young people who play lots of video games and text a lot. Ice and decreased usage are the best treatments, along with an occasional ibuprofen.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is quite different from this. Its caused by swelling and pinching of the median nerve right where it crosses the wrist. It causes numbness and tingling in the thumb and first two fingers. Untreated, it can eventually lead to muscle wasting in those fingers and cause permanent damage. Don't worry, you're way too young to be worrying about Carpal Tunnel :)
Anonymous
You have a large muscle that controls your thumb. Move your thumb in circles and you will see that your thumb muscle is on the palm of your hand. You can massage that thick muscle. Press into it. Discover where it is tender and apply some pressure or massage to those areas. When you press and it hurts, that generally means the muscle is tight. That can happen when we use a muscle a lot. Massage relaxes tight muscles. When you roll your thumb, look at your lower arm on the thumb side. You might be able to see movement there, too. That is another good area to massage all the way up to your elbow. I like the doctor's answer but I like massage even better. Massage is old medicine.
Douglas B
You probably tightened up the tendons in your wrist doing all that typing. To get rid of the pain you have to free up those tendons and here's how to do that:
Wrist:
With hand resting in front of you with the palm up, bend your wrist as far as you can.. Then press into the area behind the wrist, where they take your pulse, and hold a good amount of pressure on it. After 30 seconds slowly open your wrist up as far as you can, release the pressure but hold your wrist open for another 30 seconds.
For best results relax your body first by taking a deep breath and exhaling then remain this relaxed.