Thumb osteoarthritis, also known as thumb osteoarthritis or CMC osteoarthritis, is the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the base of the thumb. It can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased strength in the hand, making simple everyday tasks like opening a can or holding a milk carton more difficult.
What is thumb osteoarthritis?
Thumb osteoarthritis is a form of osteoarthritis that affects the thumb's base joint, the so-called CMC joint, which is located at the base of the thumb near the wrist. When the articular cartilage in the joint breaks down, the sliding surface that normally allows the joint to move smoothly and without pain deteriorates.
As the cartilage thins, the stress on the joint surfaces increases. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased strength in the thumb. Since the thumb is used in almost all gripping functions in the hand, even small changes in the joint can affect everyday activities.
Common causes & risk factors
Thumb osteoarthritis often develops gradually over time and becomes more common with age. The condition is more common in women than men.
Wear and tear of the articular cartilage can occur through natural aging, but the risk increases if the thumb is subjected to repeated stress. Work or activities that require a lot of thumb-index finger grip or twisting movements can therefore contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. Heredity can also play a role, as some people have an increased tendency to develop osteoarthritis in the joints.
Symptoms
- Numbness, local pain in the thumb, often at the base of the thumb
- Pain with strain, especially when gripping or twisting movements
- Reduced grip strength, especially in the thumb-index finger grip
- Stiffness and swelling in the base of the thumb
- In more extensive osteoarthritis, pain even at rest
The symptoms of thumb osteoarthritis often develop gradually over many years, and it is common to have periods where the symptoms are less pronounced.
When does thumb osteoarthritis hurt the most?
The pain of thumb osteoarthritis often occurs in situations where the thumb's base joint is stressed or twisted.
When grasping objects
Holding a jar, a saucepan, or a milk carton can provoke pain in the base of the thumb.
During twisting movements
Movements such as opening cans, turning keys, or using screw caps place a lot of strain on the CMC joint.
With repeated hand movements
Work or activities where the thumb is used frequently can cause the pain to gradually increase.
After prolonged use of the hand
The pain may increase after a day of heavy manual work or other activities that put strain on the thumb.
When should you seek medical attention?
Seek medical attention if the pain in your thumb becomes persistent and affects your daily life, if you lose a lot of strength in your hand, or if the swelling in the joint increases. You should also seek medical attention if the pain worsens despite relief and self-care.
Recommended protection & support
In the case of thumb osteoarthritis, the right protection and relief can contribute to reduced pain and improved function in everyday life and work. Stabilizing thumb supports can relieve the thumb's base joint and provide increased stability during activity.
Ergonomic aids that make it easier to grip and reduce the strain on the thumb can also make a big difference in everyday life. By reducing the strain on the CMC joint, pain can be relieved, and hand function can be improved.
See all braces and supports that can relieve thumb osteoarthritis
Related injuries
For more information about the hand and wrist, you can read more in the Injury Guide Hand & Wrist. You can also go to the Injury Guide's main page to read about other injuries and symptoms.
