I have had more cases of tendonitis than a non-athelete can possibly have. Last year it was my knees and elbows. This year it's my shoulder and both thumbs.

The problem in my thumbs has gotten so bad I have taken to wearing thumb braces. The only braces I find are for the protection and recovery of thumb injuries relating to sports. They are made to protect the thumb from additional injury and are huge, bulky and often uncomfortable, hardly something I want to wear all day long.

So, I have created my own brace manufactured out of a bulky brace and the common carpal tunnel half gloves. This provides enough support of the thumb, yet it fits sleekly over the hand. To me it seems ideal. I've got a prototype, and we're ready to start sewing. As part of my product research I'd like to know, are thumb problems common or uncommon with ms in particular. I'd appreciate any responses to see if there really is a market for this product.

I have what my GP calls "knitter's thumb" on my left hand. I imagine it's some kind of "itis"; not sure which one. I'm pretty sure it's not related to MS in my case, but way overdoing it with knitting & crocheting.

I couldn't find anything appropriate to wear that would still allow me to knit, so I kept on to the point where I could barely use my left hand.

You would likely find a market among the many knitters and crocheters out there - it seems to be a pretty common ailment. I do think we're more prone to tendonitis because of MS - nasty bout with my shoulder a few years ago.

Good luck with your great idea!

C

I get tendinitis but it's across the top of my foot to the toes. I often just pop up on my toes w/o reason- some kind of reflex(?). And the PT I did this year involved walking on toes in some of the exercises- I'll not do that again.

So, would your device help feet? Probably not.

ANN

I am glad I am not the only one...I have had tendonitis in my heels since college, and have had it in my feet, knees, elbows, shoulders, and hips.

My late wife was a physical therapist and I would complain about my sore body.

She tried to give me a massage but I had to ask her to stop because it was very painful.

She checked me over and found that all my muscle insertion points were the source of my pain.

It appear that in MS the spacitity results in a constant tugging that results in this soreness at these spots ALL over the body.

jackD

Antibiotics does it in my hands. I exercise often. As most know, Cipro is deadly for this. Mid 20's girl on local news with great bod, had to wear ankle brace after she tore a tendon walking while on Cipro.

One solution that i've had a couple docs out of a dozen agree on is - HGH would absolutely heal you. Pitcher for Yankees proved it. Love the dr's that say "no" it won't help. Hopefully they're in denial & not, hate to say it, dumb.

Thanks to all of you for your input.

I just saw my dr. and she suggested acupuncture for my thumbs. I'll see what happens. The copay is more than double what I have to pay my neurologist. Go figure.

Meanwhile I will continue to perfect my design.

Not being a knitter, I wasn't aware of "knitters thumb." Though it certainly makes sense. I make jewelry and it's very tough to do without thumbs, '?d guess knitting would be the same. I have trouble pushing buttons with my thumbs especially.

Once I get some samples created, would you like to try a pair?

Anyone else with thumb problems?

Hey Catch,

I just saw your post - crazy busy with income taxes right now so haven't been on the boards for a couple of days.

It's only my left thumb; right one is OK. I think it's from the left hand staying in the same position most of the time, whereas my right hand (dominant one) does a lot more moving so stays looser. Crocheting seems worse as the left hand is just holding the wool while the right does the actual crocheting.

I would like to try one out. Usually once I stop knitting for awhile my thumb improves but I can't seem to shake it this year. Not into injections (which I know would help, sigh) so your prototype sounds like a great idea.

C