If you’ve noticed pain, stiffness, or weakness in your thumb when trying to open jars, turn keys, or even use your phone, you’re not alone. Arthritis in the thumb is a common condition that can make everyday tasks surprisingly difficult. The good news is that with the right thumb arthritis treatment, including physiotherapy-based thumb pain relief strategies, you can reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and protect your joints for the long term.
At North 49 Physical Therapy, we often see clients who experience thumb pain that gradually worsens over time. Understanding what’s happening inside your hand—and how physiotherapy can help—can make a big difference in managing symptoms and maintaining your hand function.
What Is Thumb Arthritis?
Arthritis is the degeneration or inflammation of joints, and the thumb is especially vulnerable because of how much we rely on it for gripping, pinching, and supporting hand movement.
There are several joints in the thumb that can be affected:
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CMC joint (carpometacarpal) – at the base of the thumb, where it meets the wrist
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MCP joint (metacarpophalangeal) – where the thumb meets the hand
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IP joint (interphalangeal) – the small joint near the tip of the thumb
While CMC arthritis is the most common, any of these joints can develop arthritis from wear and tear (osteoarthritis), previous injury, or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Thumb arthritis can cause a range of symptoms that vary in severity. You may notice:
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Pain or aching at the base or along the length of the thumb
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Swelling and tenderness around the affected joint
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Stiffness, especially in the morning or after activity
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Reduced range of motion or difficulty moving the thumb
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Weakness or loss of grip and pinch strength
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A bony bump or enlarged joint appearance
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Grinding, clicking, or locking sensations when moving the thumb
Early on, pain may come and go. As arthritis progresses, pain can become more constant and impact your ability to perform daily activities.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Thumb Arthritis
Physiotherapy plays an important role in managing symptoms, maintaining mobility, and improving function for people with thumb arthritis—no matter which joint is affected.
Here’s how a physiotherapist can help:
️ 1. Comprehensive Assessment
A physiotherapist will assess which joints are affected, your movement patterns, and what activities aggravate your symptoms. Understanding the root cause allows for a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.
2. Targeted Exercises
Specific exercises help strengthen the muscles that support the thumb and hand, improving joint stability and function. This may include:
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Strengthening the small muscles in the hand and forearm
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Gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness
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Functional exercises to restore grip and pinch strength
3. Splinting and Joint Support
A thumb splint or brace can help reduce strain on painful joints, particularly during flare-ups. Your physiotherapist can recommend or fit a splint that supports the thumb while still allowing you to use your hand comfortably.
4. Pain and Inflammation Management
Physiotherapists use various methods to help control pain and stiffness, including:
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Heat or cold therapy
- Ultrasound
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Manual therapy or gentle joint mobilizations
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Taping techniques to support the thumb during activity
5. Education and Activity Modification
Learning joint protection strategies is key to long-term management. Your physiotherapist can show you how to adjust hand positioning, use ergonomic tools, or modify tasks to reduce thumb strain—without giving up the activities you enjoy.
When to See a Physiotherapist for Thumb Arthritis Treatment
You don’t need to wait until your thumb pain is severe. Early hand therapy can help slow progression, reduce pain, and preserve joint function.
If you’re noticing pain, stiffness, or weakness in your thumb that’s affecting your daily activities, it’s a good idea to book an assessment.
Final Thoughts
Thumb arthritis is common—but with the right treatment, it doesn’t have to limit what you can do. Physiotherapy offers practical, evidence-based solutions to help you manage symptoms, improve strength, and keep your hands working their best.
If you’re dealing with thumb pain or suspect arthritis, the team at North 49 Physical Therapy can help you find relief and build a personalized plan for lasting hand health.
Book an appointment today to get started on your path to better movement and less pain.