What is thumb arthritis?
Thumb arthritis affects the joint at the base of your thumb, where the thumb meets the wrist. Clinicians may call this the carpometacarpal, or CMC, joint. This joint helps your thumb move in many directions and work with the rest of your hand. Over time, the cartilage in the joint can wear down, leading to pain, stiffness, and irritation.
Symptoms often develop slowly. They may come and go at first, then become more noticeable as the joint becomes more irritated.
Common symptoms
- Pain at the base of the thumb
- Weakness when gripping or pinching
- Difficulty holding small objects
- Pain when twisting, such as opening jars or turning keys
- Swelling or tenderness around the joint
- Grinding or clicking during movement
Treatment options for thumb arthritis
Thumb arthritis treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Your plan depends on your pain, imaging results, hand function, and daily needs. Many patients try non‑surgical care before considering surgery.
Non‑surgical options
- Splint or brace support to help protect the thumb
- Anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce pain and swelling
- Corticosteroid injections to help calm joint inflammation
- Hand or occupational therapy to support strength and motion
- Activity changes to help reduce joint strain
- Heat or cold therapy to help ease symptoms
Surgical options
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TOUCH CMC1 thumb joint replacement to replace worn joint surfaces with a prosthetic implant
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Ligament reconstruction to help stabilize the thumb joint
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Tendon interposition to use nearby tissue as cushioning for the joint
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Trapeziectomy to remove a small wrist bone at the base of the thumb and reduce painful joint contact
Your surgeon will explain your options and help you choose the approach that best matches your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle.
Our providers
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Hand Surgery
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Chao Long Azad, MD MPH
Hand Surgery
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William Hugh Baugher, MD
Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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John Schmitz Foley, MD
Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Aviram Moshe Giladi, MD
Hand Surgery
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Jessica B Hawken, MD
Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Curtis Mitchell Henn, MD
Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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James Patrick Higgins, MD
Hand Surgery & Plastic Surgery
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Ryan M Jander, MD
Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery & Shoulder And Elbow Orthopedic Surgery
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Michael William Kessler, MD
Orthopedic Surgery & Hand Surgery
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Grant Michael Kleiber, MD
Hand Surgery & Plastic Surgery
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Kenneth Robert Means, MD
Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Kevin W O'Malley, MD
Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Daniel Aaron Portney, MD
Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Kelsey Anne Rebehn, MD
Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Jessica M. Figueroa, MD
Hand Surgery & Orthopedic Surgery
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Christopher Lee Forthman, MD
Shoulder And Elbow Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery & Hand Surgery
Show All Hand Surgery
Frequently asked questions
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What causes thumb arthritis and flare-ups?
Thumb arthritis can happen for different reasons. Identifying what may be contributing to your pain helps your care team recommend the right next steps.
Common causes
- Cartilage wear over time
- Past thumb injury
- Loose or unstable thumb joint
- Family history of arthritis
- Repeated thumb use from work, sports, or hobbies
Common triggers
- Prolonged gripping or pinching
- Heavy lifting
- Forceful thumb pressure
- Cold weather or joint irritation
- Repetitive thumb pressure from typing, texting, or similar tasks
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What types of thumb arthritis may lead to joint replacement?
Thumb joint replacement may be considered for some people who have arthritis at the base of the thumb, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis that affects the thumb
- Arthritis after a thumb injury
- Basal joint arthritis
- Joint damage related to instability or long-term wear
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Is thumb joint replacement right for me?
Thumb joint replacement may be an option if you:
- Have severe arthritis at the base of your thumb
- Have thumb pain that makes daily tasks hard
- Have tried splints, injections, or therapy without enough relief
- Have bone and joint health that can support an implant
- Want an option designed to help preserve thumb movement
Your care team will review your symptoms, X‑rays or other imaging, hand strength, previous treatments, and overall joint health. Together, you will discuss whether thumb joint replacement fits your needs, goals, and lifestyle.