I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand about 4 months ago. I had it a couple of yrs. ago on my left too. Both times I've had severe swelling and a long recovery time, I assume because my hands are normally swollen anyway from my other health problems. I have mixed connective tissue disorder (symptoms & treatment similar to rheumatoid arthritis), Raynauds, & some vasculitis. Recently, my right thumb has become very sore, especially when I try to bend or straighten the middle joint. It gets worse as the day goes on, and by late afternoon/evening, when I try to straighten it, it feels like it's jumping or popping into the joint. Anyone had any similar problems that might help me discern which might be the cause? It' a 2-3 hr. drive to get to either specialist so I'd like to be sure I'm headed in the right direction before I go see the Dr. Thanks