Thenar Atrophy

[SPB]

Good Morning

First of all I would like to thank everyone who donates their time to this site you really are unbelievable people and I thank you.

I am a 29 year old male who has suffered bodywork twitching for the last 18 months. A year ago I received a physical from my Doctor and also my physio who advised there was no reason to suspect ALS. Both advised at that time there was no weakness after the physical exam. No emg was carried out and I was not referred to a neuro.

However I have noticed a dent/concave just below my thumb joint on my left hand which looks slightly different from my right hand. I am terrified that this is atrophy. I have attached some pictures for more detail.
As far as I am aware I have no weakness as I can still do everything that I have always been able to do such as unscrew bottle lids, clip nails etc and full range of motion of the thumb. I don’t even know if this dent has always been there and have just noticed it however it has got me worried.

Does this look or sound like atrophy to you? I really appreciate all of your help and advice.

Thank you

 

[Bestfriends14]

Hi there,

Pictures don't tell much at all. In any case, atrophy comes from after one has had muscle function failure. So, since you have not had a failure of function, you would not have atrophy. Thenar atrophy looks like nothing you are describing and is very unique in its presentation; nothing you need to worry about. Finally, twitching means nothing in the absence of function failure when it comes to ALS.

Keep hydrated, drink minimal caffeine, stretch, and try to sleep well. Keep working with your doc.

Take good care.

 

[SPB]

Thank you for the response I really appreciate your time and also advice.
By muscle function failure would this be the inability to carry out normal movement and tasks yeah?
If so, are you confident then that nothing here shows ALS?
Thank you again, I honestly can’t thank you enough for taking the time to respond

 

[Bestfriends14]

Yes and yes

 

[lgelb]

+1

 

[SPB]

@lgelb does +1 mean you agree with @Bestfriends14 ?

 

[lgelb]

It does.

 

[SPB]

Thank you. I guess the last question I have is if I had clinical weakness would it be obvious to myself and clearly notice it?
Again thank you for donating your time to answer my questions I truly appreciate it

 

[Bestfriends14]

Yes.
Please go back to your doctor with any further questions. It is his job to answer these types of questions. If you need to, read again the "Important! Read before posting" sticky.

Good luck to you and take good care

 

[SPB]

Sorry to post again but noticed a dent below my index knuckle, not sure if this is due to bulging veins in my hands or if the dents would be a type of Atrophy?

 

[Bestfriends14]

Your last question was June 19th. From here, any other questions really should be taken up with your doc. This is not a general health forum, so any general health issues is not really the basis of what this forum is for.

Good luck to you.

 

[SPB]

I have booked an appointment but got to wait 2 weeks to speak to them, any advice would be appreciated in the meantime, no offence intended to any and if I am offending I apologise

 

[Nikki J]

Dents are not atrophy

 

[lgelb]

You seem to be centering on "atrophy." If you had it, that would mean you had lost muscle and there would be clinical weakness that you acknowledge you do not have. And yes, if you did have it, it would be obvious to you and others. And we have previously advised you that dents are not atrophy.

I'm closing this thread. Please do not start another. If your fears continue, it is those that you must address. Your GP can suggest sources of help for health anxiety. One is the forum, "No More Panic," which is UK-based.

Best,
Laurie