Pain from carpal tunnel syndrome can radiate up the arm to the shoulder. This condition is an irritation and swelling of the sheath or tunnel that surrounds the thumb tendons. It may be caused by overuse and is also seen in association with pregnancy or inflammatory arthritis. Modification of the activity that initially caused the symptoms may be required, followed by treatment with a splint, injection with steroids, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. Some cases may require surgery.
Heberden nodes are bumps that occur at the last joint of the finger or thumb due to arthritis.
They are small bone spurs that form over the back of the joints and make them appear lumpy, but are not painful and seldom interfere with function. Treatment may or may not be necessary. This is a hereditary thickening of the tough tissue, called fascia, that lies just below the skin of the palm. Small lumps or bands appear, which may eventually pull the fingers into the palm. Dupuytren's disease runs in families, but may also be associated with cigarette smoking, vascular disease, epilepsy, and diabetes.