Carpometacarpal osteoarthritis of the thumb

The affected saddle joint lets the thumb rotate and meet the fingers. Because it carries load during many hand tasks, symptoms may become noticeable when opening lids, turning keys, writing or holding a cup.

Osteoarthritis involves changes in the cartilage, bone and other tissues of a joint. At the thumb carpometacarpal joint, these changes may reduce smooth motion and make loaded movement sensitive. Symptoms do not always match how pronounced an X-ray looks, so treatment decisions are guided by pain, function and examination as well as imaging.

The condition commonly presents with aching at the thumb base, tenderness and pain during pinching or gripping. Some people notice stiffness after rest, local swelling, a grinding feeling or a gradual change in the thumb's position. These features can limit range of motion and fine hand control.

Reduce concentrated pressure through the thumb by using both hands, sliding heavy items instead of pinching them, and selecting wide-handled utensils or jar aids. Pacing repetitive tasks can settle a flare without giving up all hand movement. A thumb-base support may improve comfort during selected activities if it fits correctly.

Hand therapy can focus on joint protection, comfortable mobility and strength in the muscles that guide the thumb. Medication options depend on your medical history and other drugs, so discuss oral or topical anti-inflammatory medicines with a clinician or pharmacist before use.

If these measures do not provide enough relief, a specialist may discuss a cortisone injection or surgical options. An injection aims to reduce inflammation and pain for a period; it does not rebuild cartilage. Surgery is considered in relation to persistent symptoms, functional limits and personal goals.

Arrange an appointment if thumb-base pain is recurring, sleep is disturbed, grip is declining or everyday adaptations are no longer enough. Assessment can confirm whether the joint is the pain source and check for nearby tendon or nerve problems.

A hot, red, quickly swollen joint with fever or feeling unwell needs prompt medical care because infection or another acute inflammatory problem must be considered. After an injury, seek urgent assessment for deformity, inability to move the thumb, numbness, marked colour change or severe swelling.

Ask how certain the diagnosis is, whether imaging would change management, and which activities are loading the joint most. Discuss the expected purpose and drawbacks of a splint, therapy, medication or injection, along with the functional changes that would justify referral to a hand surgeon.