Joint Disorders

Thumb joint pain? This is also referred to as thumb osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the cartilage in the joint, causing it to thin and the surface to become less smooth and even. In osteoarthritis, cartilage changes but doesn’t completely wear away, so it’s not considered total degeneration. It usually begins with stiffness and pain in the wrist, finger, or thumb. Often, the pain improves after 10 minutes of movement in the morning. Since you use your thumb for almost all daily activities, it’s important to address the pain as quickly as possible. Read on to learn more about thumb joint pain and how to best treat it.

Joints in the thumb

The thumb is a unique part of the hand. The base joint (CMC joint) gives our hand the ability to handle both small and large objects. The thumb can also apply significant force, such as when lifting a heavy book or stone. For this, we need both stability and mobility. More than ten muscles control the thumb’s movements, and several ligaments contribute to joint stability.

What does thumb joint pain look like?

The cartilage in the thumb allows the thumb bones to move smoothly. When wear occurs, it’s called osteoarthritis. This leads to pain in the thumb joint and wrist. In severe cases, the cartilage may be completely worn away. Bone spurs can form due to excessive friction, causing the joint to stiffen.
If your thumb is warm and swollen, it may be a sign of arthritis.

Differences between men and women

Up to the age of 45, thumb joint issues occur equally in men and women. After age 50, the rate increases significantly in women. Women with obesity have three times the risk of joint problems compared to men. As a result, osteoarthritis and joint wear are more common in women.

What causes pain in the thumb joint?

There are several causes of thumb joint pain. Some can be prevented, while others—such as ageing—cannot, although the pain can be managed. Possible causes of thumb joint pain include:

• Arthritis, including wear-related pain or rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatic conditions can cause inflammation in the thumb joint.
• Overuse of the thumb.
• Injury, such as sprains, fractures, or bruises.
• Ageing. If the ligaments around the thumb are too loose, excessive movement and friction may occur, which leads to joint wear and pain.

What are the symptoms of thumb osteoarthritis?

Thumb osteoarthritis can be quite bothersome. Do you have pain? Check the following symptoms:

• A persistent, dull ache, even at night or while resting
• Pain increases with frequent thumb use (especially around the thumb base and thenar area)
• The thumb feels stiff and has limited mobility
• Cracking or grinding sound during movement
• Swelling at the site of the pain
• Pain radiates from the thumb joint into the wrist

What can be done about thumb joint pain?

Older adults, women, people in physically demanding jobs, and those with a family history of joint problems are more prone to issues in the thumb joint. Sometimes the damage is due to an accident. In most cases, symptoms are easy to recognize, and X-rays are not immediately necessary. At Podobrace, we offer various thumb braces that can help relieve or even prevent these issues.

Want to treat the pain but don’t have a brace yet?

If you don’t yet have a brace but want to reduce thumb joint pain as soon as possible, try the following tips:

• Rest and apply ice to reduce pain and swelling caused by inflammation
• Ask your physiotherapist for specific exercises
• Medication, such as painkillers, can reduce discomfort

When to seek medical help?

If the pain is unbearable, or you suspect severe joint damage, consult a doctor. They can use X-rays to check for tears or other abnormalities in the joint. A quick diagnosis is important for effective pain management.

Which brace suits you best?

At Podobrace, we offer a wide range of thumb braces for thumb joint pain, each suited for different symptoms and levels of support. On our website, you’ll find an overview of each brace’s support level and application. Choose the brace that fits your needs so you can quickly return to daily activities such as writing and sports. If you have questions, feel free to contact our team of specialists.