We saw the hand specialist today, and apparently Jack has trigger thumb. The tendon (and/or its sheath) became inflamed and swollen (he can even feel it in the base of his thumb) and, therefore, can't move freely...resulting in his thumb being stuck in a locked position. With adults, there are more options available (steroid injections, for one), but nothing he really recommended for kids, except a surgical fix. He says its less than a 10 minute procedure. It involves a small incision at the base of his thumb, and then just releasing (i.e. cutting) the band that is causing the constriction. Jack should be able to come straight out of surgery and be using his thumb completely normally.
However, there is a possibility it will improve on its own. The inflammation could potentially go away without intervention. So, he said there would be no harm in waiting an additional 6 weeks to see what happens. So, we've got another appointment set for September 25th, and we will see where we are then.
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