Tendon rupture of the thumb | Arthritis Information

 

I am a 43 year old female and was diagnosed with RA 14 years ago. I am currently on Orencia, Imuran and Prednisone and have had my right wrist replaced recently
My question is regarding my thumb. I noticed last week that my right thumb seemed "loose." When I try to pinch something or pick up something small my thumb feels like it is popping out of place. I already have sublaxation of both thumbs so I assumed it had gotten worse. I called my rheumatologist and he felt like it was a tendon rupture. He wanted me to call my surgeon and of course my surgeon wants to see me immediately.
Shouldm't I be having pain with this if it was truly a tendon rupture of the thumb? It only hurts when I get it in certain positions. It is protruding out more than it was but other than that it is not really that bad. Just my grip has gotten worse.
I hate to drive 3 hours to see my surgeon if this is not truly an emergency.
Anyone have this problem or have had a tendon rupture? I would truly appreciate any info.
Have you been taking Levequin or Cipro? They can cause this.

milly2010-03-09 08:43:15See the surgeon.Hi Shanyw, I agree with Sam, go see the surgeon.  I assume, at this point, you are already on your way!  Please let us know how you are!

see the surgeon ASAP...the longer you wait the more danger of a less than successful repair.  Tendon ruptures do not necessarily hurt other than a pang when it breaks.  The tendon is like a rubber band once it breaks it kind of flops around.  It will hurt if you knock the thumb into a postion that is not normal.  What you described is exactly what happened with me. I decided to keep my appt with my surgeon next monday. I am now having problems with my little finger. It is not in it's normal position anymore. I wonder if these 2 problems have anything to do with my recent wrist replacement. Good luck. And let us know how you make out with the surgeon.Gosh.. I have never heard of this. H.ave no advise to give but want to wish you wellthe wrist replacement should have stablaized the wrist position which helps prevents finger deformities.  It is likely you are dealing with long term damage that is simply manifesting itself now that you can move the wrist more.  I know, however, that when my wrist was immobilzed after my wrist replacement I did lose some finger motion in fingers that were pretty far gone to begin with.  The fingers just didn't handle not being able to move well. Well, I already had an appt with an orthopedic that specializes in feet yesterday so I had him look at my hand. My next surgery is to repair my right foot which has quite a bit of damage from RA. He took at look at my hand and did not think it was tendon rupture. He wasn't sure what was going on but did not think it was an emergency.