63 yr old white male, Thumbs cramp up so bad that they need to be pried open lasts for a good twenty minutes until they relax. Usually on a hot day with little water and minimal food intake.
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Thumb cramps
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6 UpVoted this answer
If you can, try a recipe from Vermont Country Doctor Jarvis. Make a drink of 1 TBSP Apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and add a 1/2 tsp of honey, local honey is best. Sip this on hot days and see if that helps to relieve the cramping. You may simply be lacking the hydration and minerals needed. Be sure to eat something nourishing every 3-4 hours. If this does not relieve, get checked out by your physician.
4 UpVoted this answer
What you are describing are trigger thumbs. They are worse on a hot day and with dehydration. Individuals with trigger thumb can also have Dequervains Stenosing Tenosynovitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It is more prevalent in individuals with Diabetes particularly if it is bilateral. A Cortisone injection should be tried and if unsuccessful, surgical release is a simple matter.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Katz MD
Sincerely,
Michael J. Katz MD
3 UpVoted this answer
It could be due to low potassium or magnesium levels. Thus a muscle spasm. I'm missing some information on how long has this been going on? Is there pain with the cramping? Any unusual numbness or tingling in the area or in your arm when this happens? Sometimes it could be that your neck is out of alignment. Seeing a chiropractor my help if a nerve is being pressed on.
3 UpVoted this answer
I want to know what's causing your thumbs to cramp up like this, so I have a stupid question? Do you text on your cell phone much? Oftentimes, that will cause cramping thumbs. I had to ask because many persons in their 60s are experiencing this, You are on a lot of medications for blood pressure, also the statins for cholesterol. Sometimes lisiporal can cause joint pain. I would suggest that you speak with your physician and ask if the cramping could be a side effect. I would also have you check with your physician to see if you are starting a form of rheumatoid arthritis.
3 UpVoted this answer
I'd rule out Raynaud, if the trigger Is hot weather with inadequate intake.
- I'd hydrate adequately, about 8 8-oz glasses of water per day and appropriate food. If nocturia is an issue, stop drinking after early dinner by 6:30 pm to give yourself ample room to void before going to bed.
- I'd check my uric acid level for possible gout, and avoid foods or beverages high in purines (your doc will explain) at least till gout is ruled out.
- Abstain from repetitive movements involving the thumb such as braiding, knitting....
- I'd hydrate adequately, about 8 8-oz glasses of water per day and appropriate food. If nocturia is an issue, stop drinking after early dinner by 6:30 pm to give yourself ample room to void before going to bed.
- I'd check my uric acid level for possible gout, and avoid foods or beverages high in purines (your doc will explain) at least till gout is ruled out.
- Abstain from repetitive movements involving the thumb such as braiding, knitting....
2 UpVoted this answer
This occurs secondary to electrolyte imbalance cause from dehydration & possibly from your hypertension medication if it contain any diuretics . Ask you physician ,he may want to monitor your electrolytes & recommend supplements. If not then prehydrate with water & increase your daily intake. Also make sure you don't have trigger finger
2 UpVoted this answer
Your symptoms are somewhat nonspecific but suggest carpal tunnel syndrom or trigger thumbs. I am not familiar with the homeopathic remedies mentioned below it. It would be best to consult your family physician as well for your initial evaluation to excluce other causes such as a potassium deficiency.
1 UpVoted this answer
I agree that it is likely due to an electrolyte deficiency if the cramping is associated with hot days, dehydration, and low food intake. Also, it is important to keep in mind that medications can also deplete minerals like potassium (I believe you are on Lisinopril for high blood pressure which does have this effect). It is very important to keep up with your electrolytes. There are electrolyte replenishment like Drip Drop that can be added to water easily on the go. I also like a product called CoCo Hydro (naturally based from coconuts).
I also agree that it may be helpful to have your uric acid levels monitored as Lisinopril can also cause elevated uric acid, which can cause joint dysfunction.
I also agree that it may be helpful to have your uric acid levels monitored as Lisinopril can also cause elevated uric acid, which can cause joint dysfunction.
1 UpVoted this answer
Most likely related to "hot day with little water and minimal food intake" causing low levels of sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium. Plain water will dilute your electrolytes even more, but eating/drinking something with electrolytes, such as Gatorade, or Gatorlytes (which is specifically for cramping) might help. You probably avoid salty food due to your hypertension, but if you are cramping, something salty like pretzels may help.
Your description sounds more like a cramp, but a trigger thumb also causes someone to pry open their thumbs, so you could have someone check for that to rule it out.
Your description sounds more like a cramp, but a trigger thumb also causes someone to pry open their thumbs, so you could have someone check for that to rule it out.
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