Quick Summary
Pain at the base of the thumb when opening jars, turning keys or pinching can come from the carpometacarpal joint. We help you understand the problem and find practical ways to improve comfortable hand use.
Understanding Thumb CMC Joint Arthritis
The thumb CMC joint sits where the thumb meets the wrist. Osteoarthritis can affect its cartilage and surrounding structures, making pinch or grip painful. Some people have substantial changes on X-ray with few symptoms, so treatment is based on how the thumb affects you.
How we assess your symptoms
We assess the location of pain, thumb motion and tasks such as key turning or lifting a mug. We discuss an appropriate support, joint-protection techniques and whether medical review for pain relief or specialist options is warranted.
Image: Hariadhi · CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted; this image is also licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Tenderness at the thumb base, especially during pinch or grip.
- Stiffness or difficulty moving the thumb away from the palm.
- A bony prominence or altered thumb posture in some cases.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
A treatment plan built around you
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Gentle hands-on care may be considered for comfort. We avoid forcing a painful thumb joint. The purpose is to support useful movement, not claim to reverse arthritis or permanently reposition the joint.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not routinely recommended for thumb cmc joint arthritis. Your assessment will guide appropriate rehabilitation, symptom management and whether medical or specialist review is needed. We will explain why each proposed treatment fits your symptoms before you decide whether to proceed.
Targeted Exercise Programme
Exercises can develop comfortable thumb control and hand strength. Wider handles, opening aids and changes to pinch technique may reduce strain. A support may help particular activities, with use tailored to your needs.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Go to A&E immediately after an injury if a joint is deformed or the hand or finger is cold, pale or blue, or has severe loss of sensation. For other severe swelling or inability to use the arm, seek urgent assessment through NHS 111.
- A hot, red, rapidly swollen joint with fever needs urgent medical assessment. Arrange prompt review for persistent numbness, increasing weakness or loss of dexterity.
Your questions answered
Should I stop using my thumb?
Complete avoidance is usually impractical and can reduce strength. We help you choose tolerable ways to use it, combining exercise with task changes or a support when appropriate.
What if everyday tasks remain painful?
Discuss this with your GP or a hand specialist. Medication advice, injection or surgery may be considered according to your symptoms, goals and response to conservative care.
Which appointment should I book?
Choose a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or uncertain symptoms. We will assess what is limiting you, explain the options and agree the next steps. If you already have a diagnosis, bring any relevant scan report or specialist advice.
Visit J&J Therapy on the ground floor of CI Tower, New Malden. Book an assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938 if you are unsure which service to choose.
Related conditions
De Quervain’s · Hand and wrist arthritis
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information to support informed choices; it is not a diagnosis or a personalised treatment plan. Suitability and any need for referral are assessed individually. Seek urgent medical help for the warning signs listed above.