The opponens pollicis is a small muscle that connects the thumb to the wrist. The muscle contributes to movements that move the thumb toward the wrist and the ability to touch all four fingertips with the thumb tip.
The muscle contributes to pain in the thumb and the wrist in the area below the thumb.
The Location of the Opponens Pollicis Muscle
The opponens pollicis muscle connects a bone in the wrist (trapezium) to the bottom bone of the thumb (1st metacarpal).
The Opponens Pollicis Muscle Action Is Thumb Opposition
The opponens pollicis assists in small precise movements of the thumb, such as bending the thumb, pulling the thumb toward the palm, and moving the thumb into position to touch the fingertips.
For detailed origin, insertion and action information: Opponens Pollicis Anatomy Page.
Opponens Pollicis Muscle Pain And Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Pain is felt on the inside of the thumb
- Pain is felt in the wrist just below the thumb
- Pinching using the thumb and fingers is painful
- Difficulties holding objects between the thumb and fingers, such as pens, pencils, needles for hand sewing or knitting
- Wrist pain is often thought to be a sprain or strain of the wrist
The opponens pollicis muscle pain often leads people to believe they have sprained the wrist. Another common symptom is a line of pain in the middle of the thumb. You will find it difficult to grip objects and experience pain moving the thumb toward the palm and fingers.
The opponens pollicis muscle is affected and can have an effect on these conditions.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME | DE QUERVAIN'S STENOSING TENOSYNOVITIS | DUPUYTREN'S CONTRACTURE | FINGER PAIN | GANGLION CYSTS | HAND PAIN | RAYNAUD'S DISEASE |
Other muscles that should be examined with the opponens pollicis:
Products I Use and Recommend For Hand Pain
Sombra Warming Gel is recommended for relaxing muscles and relieving pain. It warms without the burning heat of other gels. An excellent choice for pain caused by trigger points, muscle/joint overuse and stiffness, and arthritis. Somba is excellent for those with chronic hand pain; it provides almost instant relief. (Not sold in stores)
Pain and stiffness in the thumb and thumb pad? The Mueller Thumb Stabilizer. will bring relief. This lightweight and adjustable brace provides support to the wrist and keeps the thumb stable. Recommended for people who regularly use a gripping or pinching-type motion.
If I could recommend one product that every house should have, it would be these Jar Grips. Hand and arm injuries often happen while straining to open jars and bottles. These are reasonably priced, last forever, and will save you from the pain of strained muscles.
If you have painful, stiff hands due to old injuries and arthritis, the REVIX Microwavable Heating Mittens will help relieve your discomfort. Clay beads and flaxseeds provide soothing heat and moisture, relieving pain and stiffness better than traditional dry heat heating pads. Two mitts are in the package.
The Causes Of Hand Opponens Pollicis Pain
- The repetitive motion of the pincher grip.
- Extended periods of knitting, crocheting, or hand sewing
- Extended periods of writing with a pen or pencil
- Artistic painting
- Pulling weeds
- Activities that require constant downward pressure using the thumb, i.e., massage therapist
- Playing musical instruments such as the violin, cello, and guitar
- The repetitive motion of the pincher grip.
Occupations that contribute to adductor pollicis pain
- Artistic Painters
- Massage therapists
- Chiropractors
- Gardening
- Musicians
Occupations and hobbies that require repetitive gripping of items and using the thumb or hand to provide downward pressure will cause pain to flair in this muscle. Massage therapists and chiropractors experience pain with this muscle due to overuse.
Musicians often have problems with the muscles around the thumb due to the constant movement of the thumb and hand muscles and supporting the instrument's weight.
How To Avoid the Development of Trigger Points In The Opponens Pollicis
As with any other muscle in the body, the key to keeping the hands' pain-free is keeping the hand's muscles strong and limber. Using finger bands and hand grips will work toward keeping muscles strong and flexible. Playing the game of jacks will improve flexibility, and you can use the ball to roll your palms.
When you feel your hand getting tired, take a break and stretch out the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. Take a break and give your muscles time to relax.
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Common Locations Of Trigger Points In The Opponens Pollicis Muscle
If you are experiencing pain in the area under the thumb and/or the lower part of the thumb, check for these trigger points.
Opponens Pollicis Self-Treatment Massage
The opponens pollicis muscle is easy to self-treat. Using the index finger knuckle of the opposite hand, apply pressure to the front and back of the thumb pad. Rub from the base of the thumb down toward the wrist. When you find a tender spot or suddenly feel pain in the wrist, stop and apply pressure to that spot for 10 seconds, then continue. This also works well if the muscle is sore and tight.
When done, start at the bottom of the thumb and massage up the thumb, gently pulling upwards. If that causes pain, lessen the pressure or stop. Then open the hand wide, spreading the fingers apart to stretch all the hand muscles.
Trigger points respond best to several 1-2 minute treatments spread throughout the day.
I also recommend using a small hard ball to roll the palm of the hand. Place the ball on a table and slowly roll the ball using the palm. You should use some pressure, but just enough so that it feels good. Do this for a minute on each hand to help with hand flexibility as well as pain relief.
How Long Before I Feel A Reduction In Pain?
Many people feel a difference after the first treatment; however, the pain will return. It is vital to continue treatment until you no longer experience pain during the massage.
Interesting Facts
- It is one of the four muscles found in the thenar muscles, which are found in the web of the thumb, and is the mound of muscles located at the base of the thumb.
- It is one of the muscles that allow us to grip objects in our hands.
If you find trigger points in the opponens pollicis you will want to check these muscles for additional trigger points, known as satellite trigger points. (The muscles below will be added to the site at a later date)
- Dorsal Interosseus
- Abductor Pollicis Brevis
- Flexor Pollicis Brevis
Muscles With Similar Thumb Pain Patterns
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References:
Clay, J. H., Allen, L., Pounds, D. (2015). Clay & Pounds' Basic Clinical Massage Therapy: Integrating Anatomy and Treatment (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Finando, D., Finando, S. , (2005). Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain: The Practice of Informed Touch (1st ed.) Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Muscolino, J., (2016) Kinesiology: The Skeletal System and Muscle Function (3rd ed.). Maryland Heights, Missouri: Mosby.
Image Credits: Dreamstime