The inexplicable swelling of the thumb should be relieved by rest, braking, local cold compresses, and oral anti-inflammatory drugs. Sudden swelling of the thumb is likely to be caused by gouty arthritis, senile dactylitis, or possibly by stenosing tenosynovitis. All of these diseases can lead to local sterile inflammation and are basically the same in terms of treatment. 1. apply appropriate brakes and avoid excessive activity to avoid aggravation of inflammation. 2. apply ice to the thumb locally for 30 minutes each time, 3-4 times/day, to constrict the blood vessels through ice, thus quickly inhibiting inflammation and keeping it from spreading. 3. take oral anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-swelling drugs, commonly used are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and Western medicine or herbal medicine to activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis.