Thumb pain isn't "just getting older."

Pain when opening jars, turning keys or pinching is often arthritis at the base of the thumb (the CMC joint). It is common, and it is treatable.

What can help

• A supportive splint
• Hand therapy
• Medication
• Surgery, when other care is no longer enough

Don't wait for the pain to decide what you can do with your hands.

Read the full condition page, or see pain at the base of the thumb when opening jars or turning keys.

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Questions patients ask

Is thumb pain just getting older?

Not necessarily. Pain when opening jars, turning keys or pinching is often arthritis at the base of the thumb (the CMC joint). It is common, and it is treatable.

What helps thumb base (CMC) arthritis?

A supportive splint, hand therapy and medication help many people. When splints and therapy are not enough, surgery is an option.

Can I avoid surgery for thumb arthritis?

Many patients manage thumb CMC arthritis for years with a custom thumb spica splint, periodic corticosteroid injections, hand therapy, NSAIDs, and activity modification. Surgery becomes the right option when daily pain persists despite these measures, when the thumb limits activities that matter to you, or when injections stop providing meaningful relief.

Who treats thumb arthritis near Southlake and Dallas-Fort Worth?

Dr. Pedro Loredo, a board-certified hand surgeon (General Surgery, American Board of Surgery; Hand Surgery, American Board of Plastic Surgery) at Loredo Hand Care Institute, 431 E State Hwy 114, Suite 380, Southlake, TX. New patients are seen within days. Call (972) 939-4974. Se habla español.

En español: El dolor del pulgar no es "cosa de la edad".

Si le duele abrir frascos, girar llaves o hacer pinza, la causa suele ser artritis en la base del pulgar (la articulación CMC). Es común y tiene tratamiento.

Qué puede ayudar

• Una férula de apoyo
• Terapia de mano
• Medicamentos
• Cirugía, cuando lo demás ya no es suficiente