What should you know about pain in thumb and palm of hand?

Pain at the thumb base can come from the thumb joint or from tendons crossing the wrist. De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is one possible condition when pain sits on the thumb-side wrist and worsens with thumb movement. Soreness in the fleshy palm below the thumb may follow sustained gripping or pinching. Burning, tingling or night-time numbness can suggest nerve irritation. Bruising, swelling or a sudden loss of movement points toward an injury that needs assessment.

Give the hand short rests and reduce forceful opening, lifting, pinching and twisting. Change your grip and use larger handles where possible. Gentle movement of the thumb and wrist can maintain flexibility if it remains comfortable. A wrapped cold pack may ease a recent flare; protect the skin and stop if sensation changes. A clinician or physiotherapist can assess grip, tendon loading and joint movement before recommending exercises or a support.

Arrange prompt care for a deformed thumb, major swelling, an open injury, inability to move the hand normally or sudden loss of strength. Seek urgent help if the hand is cold, pale, blue or increasingly numb. If pain affects sleep, work or everyday grip, or fails to improve after reducing aggravating activity, arrange an examination.

Ask whether the pain is centred on a tendon, joint, muscle or nerve, whether a thumb support is appropriate, and which exercises fit your findings. Explain whether pressure on the palm, wrist movement or gripping is the main trigger.