Pain at the base of the thumb can affect surprisingly simple activities — opening a jar, turning a key, gripping a steering wheel or pinching between the thumb and fingers. A common cause is osteoarthritis of the thumb-base joint, also known as first CMC or carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis.

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What is Thumb-base Osteoarthritis?

The joint at the base of the thumb allows the thumb to move in multiple directions and is used extensively during gripping and pinching. Osteoarthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage covering the joint surfaces becomes worn and irregular.

 

Importantly, having arthritis visible on an X-ray does not automatically mean it is responsible for your pain. Assessment therefore focuses on your symptoms and examination as well as any available imaging.

Clinical symptoms include:​

• Common symptoms include:

• Pain at the base of the thumb

• Pain with gripping or pinching

• Difficulty opening jars or bottles

• Pain turning keys or door handles

• Tenderness around the thumb-base joint

• Reduced grip or pinch strength

• Stiffness

• A more prominent or enlarged joint in advanced arthritis

 

Treatment

At Bristol Joint Injections a corticosteroid can be injected directly into the affected joint to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.

 

The response varies between individuals. Some people experience worthwhile improvement, while others experience little benefit. It is important to understand that an injection does not reverse the underlying osteoarthritis and the benefit is usually temporary.​

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Medical Resource: 

For further clinical guidelines on Thumb-base Osteoarthritis, view the official NHS Thumb base Osteoarthritis Resource

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