Radial Collateral injury re-appeared

Hi there

I wrenched my thumb 10 years ago and was told i damaged the radial collateral.
I had a cast on for 6 weeks and 2 weeks after it came off i did the same injury again - ouch!

No problems since whatsoever, weight lifting, martial arts and rock climbing for years.
Stopped all that a couple of years ago and just run now, but my old thumb injury has now suddenly started giving me trouble.
I cant fully clench it and the pain can be at the bottom of the thumb, in the middle or at the top. It can also be sore under the thumb knuckle?

I had plans to take up martial arts again, but i will now wait till i can get an appointment with a phyisio.
With my local NHS service i will be waiting up to 2 months to see someone, i was wondering if anyone had any advice for me?

Thanks in advance

John

If I'm understanding where your pain is then it does not seem to be the RCL . If it's at the top of thumb and the base that is more symptomic of other issues like Dequervains ( tendinitis ) or osteoarthritis . That being said without the proper hands on evaluation that can not be fully determined . Often the main tenderness with RCL is on the outside lower part of the thumb . You could get a neoprene splint which includes the thumb and avoid sustained grips and pinches until you see the proper person to fully assess the situation . There are more rigged splints but those could be more hurtful then helpful without knowing what's really wrong .These often have metal stays and allows to much motion while trying to limit some actions . This could create problems so be careful with those .

Thanks for your help and advice. I have a n appointment booked to see someone.

Regards,

Ben