Opening a jar, responding to a text, and picking up a dumbbell. What do all of these activities have in common?

For many, these are simple weekly tasks. For all, they involve the use of our thumb! When we really think about it, our thumb is used in most activities throughout our day to day routine. Brushing our teeth, answering the phone, picking up a child, driving a car. Hey, I’m even using my thumb as I begin to type out this blog! Known to be a very unique joint due to its saddle presentation and multiple degrees of freedom, our thumb is an extremely valuable tool that gets used hundreds of times during the day. 

Within this blog, let’s chat about what arthritis of the thumb is and ways in which physical therapy can assist in managing this diagnosis.

Arthritis In the Thumb…What Is It?

Like many other joints within the body, the thumb can become arthritic. Arthritis, the leading disease of adults worldwide, can create pain, limited range of motion, and anatomical changes to the joint itself making it difficult for it to function properly (1). Arthritis of the thumb is the second most impacted hand joint secondary to arthritis seen in the distal finger joints (1). And while arthritis can feel very limiting and debilitating, there are several conservative interventions that can assist in minimizing its impact and managing any associated pain.

 

 

Arthritis itself is extremely complex and multifactorial. What used to be thought as simply “wear and tear” on the joint we now know is actually a rather complex process (2). Arthritis is often diagnosed through both imaging and clinical presentation. For many, pain is one of the most prominent and frequently reported symptoms. Pain within the thumb joint may initially occur with certain positions or movements and then gradually progress to a steady, frequent discomfort.

Additionally, we tend to see increased inflammation, decreased range of motion, and impaired strength due to associated discomfort. Through imaging, we may notice reduced joint space and changes to both the bone or cartilage within the thumb joint (2). Limited joint space, changes to the cartilage, and pain can all disrupt how the thumb joint functions and can feel extremely debilitating. However, conservative treatment can help.

 

 READ: IS EXERCISE THE BEST OPTION FOR ARTHRITIS?

 

As is true for many arthritic diagnoses, conservative management through physical therapy has been demonstrated to be quite valuable for those navigating thumb arthritis. A study that implemented patient education, mobilization of the thumb joint, and strengthening exercises for the hand and thumb musculature itself demonstrated a decrease in both reported disability and reported pain by study participants (1).

 

 

An additional study reported notable and positive changes to pain, stiffness, and function with specific exercise intervention for arthritis of the hands, with acute pain reduction following passive thumb mobilization (1). Several other reviews proved much of the same, that manual therapy at the thumb joint and strengthening exercises for the hand have resulted in improved function and decreased pain for those with thumb arthritis (3,4). For more on various types of thumb pain, check out the video below! 

 

 

Now, you’re probably wondering where to even begin, right? The thumb is a complex joint and one that is used frequently throughout the day, so how do you know where to start? We’ve got the answers in this blog! Keep reading to find out.

 

Dealing with Thumb and Hand Pain? Check out our Elbow, Wrist and Hand Rehab program

If you’re dealing with thumb pain, check out our Elbow, Wrist and Hand Rehab program! It’s the perfect program to begin to address any discomfort in your thumb while working on strengthening the muscles of the wrist, forearm and elbow! 

 

Exercise for Thumb Arthritis

Thumb Circles

Start with range of motion-based exercises! When dealing with arthritis, we want to respect the allotted range of motion that feels comfortable for you! Introducing a healthy range of motion early and often through your available range is important!

 

Thumb Extension – Resisted, Band

Time to start strengthening! It’s paramount to strengthen the muscles that support the joint specifically. Get started with these; all you need is a simple rubber band or hair tie!

 

Thumb Flexion – Resisted, Band

 

Tennis Ball Squeeze

Grip strength is next! When dealing with a wrist or hand injury, our grip strength is significantly affected! Grip strength is an important indicator of mortality. If curious about other exercises to get started on to improve grip strength, check out the blog below.

 

 READ: EXERCISES TO IMPROVE GRIP STRENGTH

 

Closing Thoughts

Arthritis is the leading disease of adults worldwide, and an impact on the thumb joint can often leave those affected feeling considerably debilitated (1). Due to the unique design of the joint itself, the thumb is designed to move in multiple degrees of freedom, allowing it to play a role in just about every basic task throughout the day. Luckily, research has proven physical therapy and conservative treatment of thumb arthritis to be effective in managing both arthritic pain and maintaining the function of the joint. 

Therefore, if that dull ache in your thumb when golfing is keeping you from hitting that birdie, or the sharp discomfort you feel with knitting won’t let you finish that scarf, find comfort in knowing that conservative treatment can help! And keep living the life you want to live, one pain-free thumb movement at a time. 

 

Dealing with Thumb and Hand Pain? Check out our Elbow, Wrist and Hand Rehab program

 

References

1. Spies CK, Langer M, Hahn P, Müller LP, Unglaub F. The Treatment of Primary Arthritis of the Finger and Thumb Joint. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2018 Apr 20;115(16):269-275. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2018.0269. PMID: 29739493; PMCID: PMC5954171.
2. Abramoff B, Caldera FE. Osteoarthritis: Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options. Med Clin North Am. 2020 Mar;104(2):293-311. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2019.10.007. Epub 2019 Dec 18. PMID: 32035570.
3. Thakker A, Ramchandani JP, Divall P, Sutton A, Johnson N, Dias J. What Are the Most Clinically Effective Nonoperative Interventions for Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis? An Up-to-date Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2025 Apr 1;483(4):719-736. doi: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000003300. Epub 2024 Nov 19. PMID: 39560669; PMCID: PMC11936637.
4. Bertozzi L, Valdes K, Vanti C, Negrini S, Pillastrini P, Villafañe JH. Investigation of the effect of conservative interventions in thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Disabil Rehabil. 2015;37(22):2025-43. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2014.996299. Epub 2015 Jan 5. PMID: 25559974.

 

About The Author

Lyndsay Centrowitz, PT, DPT

[P]rehab Writer & Content Creator

Dr. Lyndsay Centrowitz graduated from Colorado State University with a BS in Health and Exercise Science and a concentration in Sports Medicine. After multiple personal sports-related injuries and discovering a passion for healing through movement, Lyndsay attended Creighton University to receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. An avid runner herself, she has a particular interest in working with high school, recreational, and elite endurance athletes and has undergone specialty training in pelvic floor rehabilitation, postpartum care, and management of the female athlete to better serve her clientele. Through this specialty training, she has acquired a Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association.  Lyndsay now owns her own practice, StrongHER, where she specializes in female athletics and care of pregnant and postpartum individuals. Additionally, Lyndsay is BSPTS C2 certified in scoliosis specific exercises and has found a niche working with adolescents with scoliosis to improve overall spinal health. No, you’re not seeing double! Lyndsay is an identical twin to Lauren Lynass, one of our [P]rehab rockstars. A native of Colorado, Lyndsay is an adventure seeker who loves to hike, camp, and race her twin sister on the mountain trails. When she isn’t exploring Chicago with her son and husband, you can find her curled up with a cup of tea and a good book. Follow along @strongher_dpt on Instagram!