Thumb arthritis

You are more at risk of arthritis of the thumb if you are:

• over 40
• have had a previous injury to your thumb
• your job involves repetitive movement of your thumb.

Thumb arthritis is more common in women than men.

Arthritis often happens in both thumbs, but one thumb is likely to be worse than the other.

Pain is the first and most common symptom. You can get pain at the base of your thumb when you grip, grasp or pinch an object, or when you use your thumb to apply force.

Other signs and symptoms might include:

• swelling, stiffness and tenderness at the base of your thumb
• decreased strength when pinching or grasping objects
• a decreased range of motion
• an enlarged or bony looking joint at the base of your thumb. 

Depending on how bad it is, thumb arthritis can make it hard to do everyday tasks such as opening jars and doors, doing crafts and hobbies or working in the garden. It often gets worse over time.

Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and examine your thumbs. 

They may suggest an x-ray to confirm that you have arthritis in your thumb, but this is not always necessary. They may be able to diagnose arthritis based on your symptoms and what they can see.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication. They may also suggest a steroid injection into your thumb joint. This can reduce pain and inflammation and make it easier to use your hand.

Hand therapy

A hand therapist will also be able to help, especially if your thumb is not too deformed by the arthritis. They can make splints to take the pressure off your thumb when you are using your hands. These can be rigid or soft, depending on what works best for you.

Your hand therapist can also give you exercises to:

• reduce your pain and inflammation
• increase the flexibility and stability of your thumb.

This will make it easier for you to use your hands.

Find a hand therapist — Hand Therapy New Zealand (external link)

An occupational therapist may be able to help you find different ways to do things and learn how to use any special equipment.

Hand surgery

If medication and hand therapy do not help, your healthcare provider may consider referring you to see an orthopaedic surgeon. The orthopaedic surgeon may suggest an operation. In this case, your healthcare provider is likely to send you for an x-ray to find out how damaged your thumb joint is.

There are many changes you can make to the way you manage day-to-day activities to reduce the impact of thumb arthritis.

• Your thumb and index finger should make a circle when holding objects, not form a point or be used like tongs.
• Take breaks often when doing activities that involve your thumb.
• Use both hands instead of one.
• Use special equipment to make it easier to do activities such as opening jars.
• Modify equipment that is skinny or difficult to hold by making it fatter, and easier to grip.
• Wear a splint to support your thumb.
• Apply cold packs to reduce swelling or gentle heat to reduce stiffness and pain. A good pair of warm gloves will help in winter.
• Wear arthritis gloves to help keep your hand and thumb warm and give light compression. This may help with swelling and pain.

Hand exercises

The correct hand exercises can make a difference. A physiotherapist or hand therapist can provide information about hand exercises.

Caring for your left thumb with osteoarthritis (external link)

Caring for your right thumb with osteoarthritis (external link)