It’s Gamer’s Thumb – where two tendons at the top of your thumb become inflamed and painful. It’s primarily an over-use injury, but can also be caused by trauma in some cases. It’s best treated initially with Cold Therapy and Rest, and once the pain has subsided, it can benefit from a program of Massage, Movement, Stretch and Strength Exercises.

The cheapest is not necessarily the best. With a Thumb Brace you are looking for one that supports the thumb, and largely restricts its movement. The best ones contain velcro straps so you can make sure it fits snugly over your thumb and hand.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a problem with the median nerve in your wrist – swelling, inflammation or pressure on the median nerve can cause pain to radiate down into your hand.

Gamer’s Thumb is a problem with the two tendons at the back of your thumb – injury and inflammation of these tendons causes pain in your thumb and hand.

The vast majority of Gamer’s Thumb cases do not require surgery, and and can be fixed with a combination of rest, bracing and rehab activities, such as:

• Heat Therapy
• Massage
• Movement
• Stretch Exercises
• Strength Exercises
• Cold Therapy

There is a quick 10-second test for Gamer’s Thumb:

• Put your arm out straight, with the thumb pointing upwards
• Close your fingers around your thumb – make a fist
• Move your fist downwards (like you are casting a fishing rod)

If you feel pain along the top of your thumb, this can mean you have Gamer’s Thumb.