My left thumb has been twitching for three weeks - should I bother seeing a GP?

29 June 2024 , 22:24
1381     0
Dr Zoe helps a reader and also offers an easy exercise tip
Dr Zoe helps a reader and also offers an easy exercise tip

EXPERT advice from Dr Zoe Williams, our resident specialist and NHS GP

Q) MY left thumb has been twitching for about three weeks.

Dr Zoe Williams helps a reader who has a problem with his thumb eiqeuixkikhprw
Dr Zoe Williams helps a reader who has a problem with his thumbCredit: Olivia West

It’s a trapped-nerve sort of twitch and you can visibly see it.

Should I bother seeing a GP?

A) This type of twitching that you describe is quite common and usually nothing to worry about.

From tongue scraping to saying no, here are 12 health trends to try in 2023From tongue scraping to saying no, here are 12 health trends to try in 2023

The thumb is a common place for a twitch to occur, as is the eyebrow, and can result from activity in nerves connected to your thumb muscles, stimulating them and causing the twitching.

Possible causes are fatigue, dehydration, salt imbalances in the blood, stress or excess caffeine consumption.

More rarely, there are neurological conditions that can cause twitching of the thumb so if symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, or are associated with other unusual symptoms, then further examination is a good next step.

HEALTH TIP

DON’T do much exercise? Then start off with a plank once a day.

It strengthens multiple muscles, can help alleviate and prevent joint pain and is also good for blood pressure.

Start off building strength by planking for just a few seconds each day
Start off building strength by planking for just a few seconds each dayCredit: Getty

Lie face down on the floor, then come up on to your toes and forearms, holding the rest of your body off the ground.

Squeeze the stomach muscles.

Keep your body straight and rigid and your shoulders down, not by your ears.

See how long you can hold it for – even if just five seconds.

Over time, you will gain the strength to hold it for longer.

How to de-clutter if you have a beauty stash to last you a lifetimeHow to de-clutter if you have a beauty stash to last you a lifetime

E-mail Dr Zoe: Health@thesun.co.uk

GP Dr Zoe Williams

The Sun Newspaper, NHS crisis, NHS, Mental Health and illness, Longtail, Heart disease, Fitness and Exercise, Diet nutrition and weight loss, Dr Zoe Williams

Read more similar news:

01.01.2023, 00:03 • World News
I want to help young primary pupils with their warring parents
01.01.2023, 00:06 • Crime
Girlfriend lost it when I asked to try BDSM then revealed past abuse
01.01.2023, 00:09 • Showbiz
I want my girlfriend to try dirty talk but she won't do it
01.01.2023, 00:33 • World News
We've put shampoos and conditioners to the test to help your hair glimmer
01.01.2023, 01:23 • World News
Bill Cosby sued by model who claims he drugged and attacked her
01.01.2023, 19:42 • Sport
Ex-Premier League star, 39, declared bankrupt after racking up £1m debts
01.01.2023, 20:00 • Sport
Most watched UK telly broadcast of 2022 revealed
01.01.2023, 20:01 • World News
Question Time legend David Dimbleby reveals he was a target of a kidnap plot
01.01.2023, 21:00 • UK News
Hard-working Brits at risk of losing jobs because of crippling rail strikes
01.01.2023, 21:11 • Showbiz
Taylor Swift's next studio album revealed after tenth release broke records