Severe Pain in Left Thumb: Possible Nerve Issues After Injury - Neurology

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It sounds like you are experiencing significant pain in your left thumb following an injury that occurred while using your computer. The fact that you have a small crack in the skin between your thumb and the adjacent finger, along with the specific pain you feel during certain movements or positions, suggests that you may be dealing with a nerve-related issue or a soft tissue injury.

When you injure a part of your body, especially in areas with a high concentration of nerves, such as the hands, it is not uncommon to experience pain that can be exacerbated by certain movements or positions. The pain you describe, particularly when lying down or moving your hand, could indicate that the injury has affected the surrounding soft tissues or nerves. This type of pain can sometimes be referred to as neuropathic pain, which occurs when there is damage to the nerves themselves or irritation of the nerve pathways.

Given that you mentioned the pain is severe and that over-the-counter pain medications have not provided relief, it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI or ultrasound, may be necessary to assess the extent of the injury and determine if there is any nerve compression or damage that requires intervention.

In terms of treatment options, if conservative measures such as rest, ice, and pain management do not alleviate your symptoms, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgery could be necessary if there is evidence of significant nerve damage, entrapment, or if there are other structural issues that need to be addressed. However, surgery is typically viewed as a last resort after other treatments have been exhausted.

Additionally, physical therapy may be beneficial in your case. A physical therapist can help you with exercises to improve mobility, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and reduce pain. They can also provide modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to help manage pain and promote healing.

It is also worth noting that your recent history of COVID-19 may have some relevance, as some individuals report lingering symptoms or complications following the infection, including musculoskeletal pain. However, it is crucial to focus on the immediate issue at hand—the injury to your thumb.

In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing could be related to nerve irritation or soft tissue injury. It is important to continue working with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and explore further diagnostic options. If conservative treatments do not yield improvement, surgical options may be considered. In the meantime, try to avoid positions or movements that exacerbate the pain and consider consulting a physical therapist for additional support.