Hello Thanks for describing your symptoms so clearly. What you’re experiencing—thumbs getting “stuck” with a clicking or popping sound, mild pain at the joints and base, and symptoms in both hands—sounds most like a condition called trigger thumb (a type of trigger finger), or possibly early thumb joint (basal joint) arthritis or tendon irritation.
### What’s Happening? - Trigger thumb: The tendon that bends your thumb can get inflamed or thickened, causing it to catch or “pop” as it moves through its sheath. This is common in people who do repetitive gripping or writing, and can affect both hands. - Basal joint arthritis: Early arthritis at the base of the thumb can also cause pain, stiffness, and sometimes clicking. - Tendon overuse: Pressing hard while writing or gripping weights at the gym can strain the tendons.
### Is It Safe to Exercise? - Mild symptoms: If the pain is mild and not worsening, you can usually continue gym activities, but try to avoid exercises that put a lot of pressure on your thumbs (like heavy gripping or push-ups) until symptoms improve. - Modify grip: Use padded grips, avoid over-tightening your hold, and take breaks. - Rest and care: Give your thumbs some rest, use warm compresses, and gentle stretching.
### When to See a Doctor - If the pain gets worse, the thumb locks and can’t be straightened, or you develop swelling, severe stiffness, or loss of function, it’s best to see an orthopaedic or hand specialist. - If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks despite rest and care, get it checked.
### What You Can Do Now - Try to write with less pressure and take frequent breaks. - Use ergonomic pens or grips. - Warm compresses and gentle thumb stretches can help. - Avoid activities that make the pain worse for a few days.
Most cases improve with simple measures, but if things don’t settle or get worse, a doctor can help with further evaluation and treatment.
Thank you
Your symptoms are most consistent with trigger thumb (stenosing tenosynovitis) or tendon irritation from repetitive gripping activities such as writing, gym exercises, and frequent thumb use. The clicking, feeling of the thumb getting stuck, mild pain, and stiffness all fit this pattern.
It is usually safe to continue exercising if the pain is mild, but try to reduce activities that aggravate the thumbs, avoid excessive gripping, and consider lowering the weight temporarily. Because the symptoms affect both thumbs and have been present for 1–3 months, I recommend an evaluation by an Orthopedic Surgeon or hand specialist, especially if the thumbs begin locking, swelling worsens, or pain increases.
Hello dear See as per clinical history it seems presence of Minor sprain due to ligament injury Differential diagnosis includes Tendonitis Minor fracture Iam suggesting some medication and precautions for improvement Please follow them for atleast a week Diclofenac sodium gel topical application twice a day for 15 days Voveron xr 50 mg twice a day for 5 days Hot fomentation application twice a day for 5 days Crave bandage application twice a day for 5 days In addition please get following tests done for confirmation of exact diagnosis and best treatment Please share the result with orthopedic surgeon for better clarity CBC Esr X ray Hand USG Ct scan of recommended by orthopedic surgeon Hopefully you recover soon Regards
Your symptoms of thumb clicking or popping, occasional sticking during movement, mild pain, and stiffness around the thumb joints and base of the thumbs are suggestive of a repetitive strain condition such as trigger thumb (stenosing tenosynovitis) or irritation of the thumb tendons from frequent gripping, writing, gym activities, or other repetitive hand movements. The fact that symptoms are present in both thumbs and have persisted for 1–3 months with normal hand strength is reassuring, but the ongoing discomfort and clicking indicate that the tendons may be inflamed. It is generally safe to continue exercising, but you should avoid activities that significantly worsen the pain, reduce heavy gripping exercises temporarily, and consider modifying your writing technique if you tend to press hard. Rest, gentle stretching, ice after aggravating activities, and occasional anti-inflammatory medication if appropriate may help. Since the symptoms have been ongoing and involve both thumbs, it would be reasonable to have them evaluated by a doctor or hand specialist, especially if the locking becomes more frequent, the pain worsens, or you develop weakness or significant limitation in thumb movement.
Hello, Based on your symptoms, the most likely cause is a tendon-related condition such as trigger thumb (stenosing tenosynovitis), where the tendon moving the thumb becomes irritated and does not glide smoothly through its sheath. This can cause clicking, popping, a sensation of the thumb getting stuck, pain at the base of the thumb, and occasional stiffness or swelling. Other possible causes include overuse injuries from repetitive gripping activities, writing with excessive pressure, frequent typing, gym workouts, or inflammation around the thumb joints and tendons. Since both thumbs are affected and there has been no injury, repetitive strain is a likely contributing factor. The good news is that your hand strength remains normal and the pain is mild, which is reassuring. It is generally safe to continue exercising, but you should temporarily reduce activities that worsen the symptoms, especially heavy gripping exercises, prolonged writing, or repetitive thumb movements.
Helpful measures include: • Taking frequent breaks during writing and typing. • Using a thicker pen grip and avoiding excessive pressure while writing. • Applying ice for 10–15 minutes after aggravating activities. • Gentle thumb stretching and range-of-motion exercises. • Using a thumb support splint if symptoms occur frequently.
I would recommend seeing an orthopedic surgeon or hand specialist if symptoms persist, worsen, or if the thumb begins locking in a bent position.
Final Prescription/Advice: • Continue activities as tolerated but avoid exercises and movements that increase pain or clicking. • Reduce repetitive gripping and thumb strain for 1–2 weeks. • Apply ice locally and consider a thumb support brace. • Modify writing habits and avoid pressing hard on the pen. • Consult an orthopedic/hand specialist if symptoms persist, worsen, or locking develops.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine
Hi,
👍 Both thumbs clicking + sticking + mild pain at palm base = Bilateral Trigger Thumb (stenosing tenosynovitis) You’ve had it 1–3 months, both hands, worse with writing and gym. Even your non-writing thumb is affected → suggests a predisposition (tight tendons) or bilateral overuse (gym gripping, phone use, typing).
Why both thumbs? Possible causes:
· Repetitive gripping at gym (pull-ups, deadlifts, dumbbells) · Writing with excessive pressure · Underlying mild diabetes or thyroid disorder (both cause bilateral trigger digits) · Genetic tendency for tight tendon sheaths
🏋️ Can you continue exercising? ✅ Yes, with strict modifications:
· Use neutral grip (thumb alongside fingers) or lifting straps · Avoid thumb-wrap grip in bench press, rows, pull-ups · Switch to push-up bars or fist push-ups · No prolonged pinching (farmer’s carry, pinch grip)
🩹 What helps now:
· Thumb spica splint at night (prevents clicking while sleeping) · Ice massage at base of thumbs after gym (10 min) · Avoid forceful thumb stretching – that worsens the snap · NSAIDs (ibuprofen) for 5–7 days if no contraindication
🩺 When to see a doctor: Now is good – before it progresses to locking (thumb gets stuck bent). A hand specialist can offer:
· Steroid injection (cures ~80% of trigger thumbs, works for months to years) · If bilateral and recurrent → check HbA1c and TSH (diabetes/thyroid link)
⚠️ If you ignore: Clicking becomes painful locking → then requires surgical release.
— Dr Nikhil Chauhan Two thumbs clicking = two reasons to see a hand doctor. One injection each can save your grip.
The clicking sound and mild pain you’re describing in your thumb joints, along with the sensation of them getting “stuck,” suggest a condition often referred to as trigger thumb or possibly arthritis, especially if you notice it around the base of your thumbs. Trigger thumb, which is a form of tendinitis, occurs when the tendon sheath around the thumb becomes inflamed, preventing smooth movement when you flex or extend the thumb. It can also be compounded by repetitive actions, like the forceful grip you mentioned when writing, which might explain why the symptoms are present in both hands even if you primarily use one. Arthritis, on the other hand, especially osteoarthritis, involves the wear and tear of cartilage in the joint, leading to the popping sounds due to joint surfaces rubbing against each other.
Considering you mentioned going to the gym, heavy lifting or exercises that strain the thumb joint might exacerbate the symptoms, so it’s crucial to modify activities that could worsen your condition. You might consider using thumb braces or taping to support your thumbs while exercising, which can help reduce strain. It’s important to ensure you perform exercises with proper technique - avoid grips that overextend the thumb and consider substituting with exercises less aggressive on your hands.
It’s advisable to consult with a medical professional for a proper diagnosis. They may recommend imaging or other tests to understand the extent of any potential structural issues within the thumb joints or tendons. Depending on the findings, they may suggest treatments like splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy.
While waiting for an appointment, you can try to apply ice to the affected area, especially after activities that trigger pain, which can help reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers might also be beneficial if the pain becomes bothersome. Avoid activities that cause discomfort, and ensure you’re taking breaks to rest your hands. It’s essential not to delay medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen since early intervention may prevent further complications and facilitate a quicker recovery.
