Thumb pain can be surprisingly debilitating. Whether it’s the sharp ache when opening a jar or the constant discomfort from carrying shopping bags, thumb arthritis—often felt as pain at the base of your thumb—can turn simple, everyday activities into challenging tasks. You’re not alone if you’re experiencing this. Many patients have shared similar stories, from aching thumbs to visible bony bumps and swelling around the area.
The good news? Relief is within reach. Thumb arthritis and thumb base pain can often be significantly improved, even without invasive interventions. This blog post will explore the symptoms, non-surgical management options, when to consider surgery, and how expert care from specialized physicians can make all the difference.
Thumb arthritis is among the most common types of arthritis that impacts the hands. It often occurs at the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, where the thumb meets the wrist. This joint sees a lot of movement daily, from gripping objects to pinching—putting it at risk for wear and tear over time.
If you’re experiencing thumb arthritis or thumb base pain, you might notice:
Thumb arthritis doesn’t just show up one day fully formed. It’s often a gradual process, meaning catching it early and seeking treatment can prevent it from worsening.
The first step to managing thumb pain effectively is to determine how severe your symptoms are. Many patients find out that their pain and reduced mobility can improve without surgery. Here’s how:
For mild symptoms, wearing a brace is often an effective starting point. A well-designed brace stabilizes the CMC joint, reducing strain during daily activities. Some braces cover just the thumb, while others immobilize the wrist as well—your physician will help decide which is better suited for your condition.
Braces are especially helpful for patients whose pain flares up with certain movements, like carrying heavy groceries or typing on a keyboard. By limiting motion in the thumb, these braces allow inflammation and pain to subside over time.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. These are especially effective when combined with other therapies like bracing or physical therapy.
If NSAIDs aren’t suitable for you, your physician may suggest alternative medications tailored to your specific needs.
For symptoms that fall somewhere between mild and severe, corticosteroid injections can provide significant relief. These injections reduce inflammation and pain directly at the source, helping you regain function in your thumb.
The effects can last for several months, giving patients an opportunity to resume normal activities while managing their symptoms. Corticosteroid injections are particularly beneficial when other non-invasive treatments prove less effective.
Strengthening the muscles around the thumb and wrist is another key component of non-surgical management. Gentle, targeted exercises help improve flexibility and support for the thumb joint, reducing the likelihood of further strain or injury.
Simple exercises might include:
Your hand specialist or physical therapist can provide a tailored plan to suit your condition.
While non-surgical treatments are highly effective for many patients, those with severe thumb arthritis may need to explore surgical options. Indicators for surgery often include:
Depending on the severity of your condition, several surgical techniques can help restore function and alleviate pain. These include:
At South Carolina Sports Medicine, our experienced Orthopaedic surgeons routinely perform these procedures, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal recovery for our patients.
Patients often report significant improvement following surgery. With proper post-operative care and rehabilitation, you can expect to regain strength, reduce pain, and return to your regular activities.
At South Carolina Sports Medicine, treating hand, wrist, and elbow conditions is our specialty. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained Orthopaedic physicians focus on upper extremity care, ensuring you receive expert support at every step.
We pride ourselves on:
Whether you’re exploring non-surgical treatment options or considering surgery, you’ll have an experienced team guiding you to the best outcomes.
Thumb arthritis doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re tired of juggling discomfort, limited mobility, and tasks that feel harder than they should, it’s time to reach out.
At South Carolina Sports Medicine, we’ll evaluate your symptoms and create a treatment plan designed to minimize pain, restore function, and improve your overall quality of life. Whether it’s a brace, an injection, or surgery, we’re here to get your hands back to feeling their best.
Contact us today for an appointment! Relief is just a step away.
