Physical Therapy for Finger and Thumb Pain in New Jersey

he fingers and thumbs are some of the most delicate joints in the body, and therefore some of the most vulnerable to injury. As such, finger and thumb pain is a common complaint among patients. The pain may feel achy, crampy, or throbbing and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as inflammation and loss of movement.

Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) is New Jersey’s leading rehabilitative treatment provider. CNSO provides a variety of non-surgical and surgical treatment options, including physical therapy and pain management, at convenient locations throughout northern New Jersey to help patients recover from pain.

Causes of Finger and Thumb Pain

Because finger and thumb joints are fragile, they are highly susceptible to injury. Manual workers and athletes experience a high rate of finger pain due to wear and tear, overuse, or acute trauma that damages bones or tendons. In other cases, finger pain may be the result of a degenerative condition, pinched nerve, or other underlying cause. Common diagnoses for finger and thumb pain include:

Overuse Injuries

Trigger finger (Stenosing tenosynovitis)
De Quervain tenosynovitis
Mallet finger
Tendinitis
Exertion compartment syndrome

Traumatic Injuries

Broken finger bones
Smashed fingers
Skier’s thumb
Finger strains and sprains
Joint dislocation
Acute compartment syndrome

Nerve Conditions

Pinched nerve
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Cervical radiculopathy

Degenerative Conditions

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis
Pseudogout
Gout

Other Health Conditions

Tumors
Cysts
Lupus
Raynaud’s syndrome
Dupuytren’s contracture
Bacterial or viral infection

Risk Factors for Finger and Thumb Pain

Certain lifestyle factors and underlying health factors may put patients at a greater risk of developing finger and thumb pain. These include:

Job responsibilities: People who work jobs that require repetitive finger movements, such as manual labor or typing, may be at greater risk of finger and thumb pain.
Sports participation: Sports such as skiing, bowling, golfing, climbing, and basketball result in a higher likelihood of traumatic finger injuries. They also put fingers under repetitive strain, leading to high rates of overuse injury.
Poor hand mechanics: Improper form during certain motions results in excess stress placed on finger joints, potentially resulting in injury. This may be exacerbated by a lack of flexibility or strength, which impacts finger mechanics and muscle stability.
Previous injury: Past injuries to fingers and thumbs may weaken the muscles, connective fibers, and bones. This leaves them less stress-resistant and therefore vulnerable to re-injury.
Aging: Joints accumulate wear and tear over time, especially fingers and thumbs, which are subject to frequent use. This often compounds on a joint surface, leading to degeneration and conditions that cause pain, such as arthritis.

Diagnosis of Finger and Thumb Pain

Because finger and thumb pain has so many potential sources, it is vital to accurately identify the cause before proceeding with treatment. Patients at CNSO will meet with an orthopedist or licensed physical therapist for diagnosis. The specialist will perform a thorough diagnosis following these steps:

Medical history assessment: First, the specialist will analyze the patient’s medical history for risk factors, such as previous injuries, underlying conditions, or genetics, that may be causing the finger or thumb pain.
Physical examination: Second, the patient will be physically examined. The specialist may ask the patient to move their hands in certain ways to test pain, reflexes, range of movement, weakness, or loss of function.
Diagnostic imaging tests: Finally, the specialist may request an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan. Medical imaging may reveal a cause of pain that is not visible on the surface.

This process helps the orthopedist or physical therapist pinpoint the cause of pain and identify which structures are the most affected. They will then develop a treatment plan that addresses pain and other symptoms at their source.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Arm Pain

CNSO is proud to be the premier rehabilitation service provider in New Jersey. CNSO follows a conservative treatment philosophy, which prioritizes non-invasive treatments unless immediate surgical intervention is necessary.

Treatment plans at CNSO are developed in collaboration with a team of neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, interventional pain management physicians, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, and certified physical therapists. These medical specialists work together to evaluate the patient’s condition and form a personalized pain management plan that focuses on achieving the patient’s goals. In most cases, pain relief and restored function are possible through conservative treatments such as:

Lifestyle Modifications

If finger or thumb pain is the result of stress or overuse, the care management team may recommend changes to the patient’s lifestyle or activity level. These changes are focused on facilitating rest and recovery while avoiding future overuse. Instructions may include:

Improving form while performing sports or job movements
Wearing appropriate protective gear during work or athletic activity
Regularly taking breaks while performing repetitive hand movements
Maintaining a balanced diet and low blood sugar
Wearing a medical brace to support and limit hand movements

Physical Therapy

CNSO offers physical therapy at locations in Wayne, Paramus, Morristown, and Jersey City, NJ. Patients receive a personalized physical therapy regimen to rebuild strength, flexibility, and stability in the hand, fingers, or thumb. Exercises, heat and ice therapy, and tissue manipulation are common approaches to relieving pain, reducing swelling, and restoring muscle function.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are common over-the-counter medications that provide pain relief and combat inflammation. Standard doses are available over the counter at many retail locations and pharmacies. A pain management specialist may prescribe higher doses when appropriate. Medication is most often used for patients whose pain limits everyday functionality and who need immediate relief while techniques such as physical therapy work on rebuilding strength over time.

Oral Corticosteroids

Like NSAIDs, oral corticosteroids are a pain and inflammation relief medication. They are most often prescribed in short courses of five to seven days. This course may be followed by a longer course of NSAIDs for lasting relief.

Steroid and Medication Injections

In some cases, the pain relief provided by oral medications is not sufficient. These patients may benefit from epidural steroid injections or joint injections. This treatment is performed by a doctor specializing in pain management, who injects a small amount of medication near or into the inflamed tissues. The injection provides powerful, fast-acting relief that lasts longer than an oral medication, helping the patient return quickly to typical levels of function.

Surgical Treatments for Finger and Thumb Pain

Some cases of finger and thumb pain do not improve with conservative treatments. In others, the pain is caused by a condition that cannot be treated non-invasively. Surgery may be necessary for effective treatment. The CNSO physical therapist will coordinate care with the appropriate surgical specialist to ensure the best results from a procedure. Afterward, physical therapy may be used to facilitate a complication-free and expedient recovery.

Trust CNSO With Treatment for Finger and Thumb Pain

Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) understands that people rely heavily on their hands, so finger and thumb pain can be life-altering. By choosing CNSO, patients are assured care from a committed team of licensed physical therapists and pain management specialists to address the root cause of their discomfort. CNSO offers multiple convenient locations across northern New Jersey, including Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Morris, and Hudson counties. To learn more about physical therapy and treatments for finger and thumb pain, contact the medical team today.