What causes pain at the base of the thumb?
Pain is the first and most common symptom of thumb arthritis. Pain can occur at the base of your thumb when you grip, grasp or pinch an object, or use your thumb to apply force. Other signs and symptoms might include: Swelling, stiffness and tenderness at the base of your thumb
How do you relieve thumb pain?
Treatment
- Rest: Support the thumb and rest it for as long as possible.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for about 10 minutes every hour for the first day.
- Compress: Wear an elastic (ACE) bandage to reduce swelling.
- Elevate: Keep the hand raised above heart level to reduce swelling and pain.
Why does my thumb hurt all of a sudden?
There are many potential causes for thumb pain, but the three most common conditions that tend to develop are 1) arthritis, 2) trigger thumb, and 3) de Quervain tenosynovitis. The location of the pain and symptoms can help determine the exact cause of your pain and what your best treatment option may be.
