Home / Conditions / Thumb base arthritis

Thumb base arthritis

Pain at the base of the thumb when gripping, pinching, opening jars or turning a key. Very common after fifty, and more common in women.

Do not wait for an appointment

  • Sudden severe pain and swelling with redness
  • Numbness in the thumb and fingers
  • Pain after a fall onto the hand
  • The thumb has become fixed and cannot be moved out to the side
Sheet 23 · Thumb exercisesHand & wristManageable long-term; surgery for the minority

Do this

  • A short hand-based thumb splint — worn for activities and at night. A shorter splint is worn more, and a splint that is worn beats a splint that is correct
  • Thumb exercises and isometric holds — Sheet 23
  • Change the tools: jar openers, thicker pen grips, lever taps
  • Heat before activity

Avoid this

  • Giving up using the hand — the muscles matter here
  • Repeated injections beyond one or two
  • Assuming an operation is the only answer

The questions everybody asks

Do I need an X-ray?

Sometimes — but the examination usually makes the diagnosis.

The X-ray tells us how advanced it is, which matters if surgery is being discussed.

Does the splint really help?

Yes, in most people.

Splinting plus exercise is the mainstay, and a short splint that leaves the wrist free is tolerated far better than a long one.

What does surgery involve?

Usually removing the small arthritic bone at the thumb base.

Results are good for pain relief. It is for people whose pain persists despite splinting, exercise and an injection.

Open the exercise sheet

Pictures, how many and how often, and what it should feel like. Free, and printable.

On cost: if we suggest a scan, an injection or an operation, ask us what it costs and what happens if you do nothing. We will answer both. You should never feel pushed into spending money.

Consultation is ₹500 for a first visit and ₹300 for a follow-up, the same at both clinics. For anything else, ask at the desk or on WhatsApp before it is done — we will tell you the exact cost.

Should you come and see us?

A page is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If the pain is not settling, come in and have it looked at properly — bring any X-ray, MRI or CT films you already have.

Nallasopara West

Opposite Patil Hospital

Shop No. 14, Veena Apartment,
Opposite Patil Hospital, near Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir,
S.T. Stand Road, Nallasopara West — 401203

Monday to Saturday
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm  ·  7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Virar East

Opposite Parimal Hospital

Shop No. 7, Damodar Tower,
Opposite Parimal Hospital, Morya Nagar,
Manvel Pada Road, Virar East — 401305

Monday to Saturday
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Ready when you are.

Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.