Thumb & Hand Arthritis
Pain and stiffness at the base of the thumb or across the hand — what it is, why it happens, and how we can help.
Thumb and hand arthritis is wear of the smooth cartilage in the small joints — most often the joint at the base of the thumb — which leaves the bones rubbing together.
The thumb base (CMC) joint is one of the most common places in the body to develop osteoarthritis, especially with age. The good news: most people are helped a great deal without ever needing surgery, particularly when it's picked up early.
Symptoms of thumb & hand arthritis.
Symptoms tend to build gradually and are often worse after activity or first thing in the morning.
Why it happens.
Osteoarthritis is mostly down to the joint wearing over time, but some things make it more likely. It can affect one or both hands.
Don't wait for it to settle.
Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:
Confirmed with an examination and an X-ray.
Thumb and hand arthritis is usually diagnosed by a consultant examining the joint and, where helpful, a simple X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and show how worn the joint is. Nerve tests aren't needed for arthritis — they're only used if a nerve problem such as carpal tunnel is suspected alongside it.
How thumb & hand arthritis is treated.
We start with the least invasive option that will work for you, and only consider surgery if it's really needed.
A supportive thumb splint and small adjustments to how you grip can ease pain and protect the joint — often the first step.
A targeted injection can calm inflammation and relieve pain when splinting and activity changes aren't enough.
For small, deep joints, an ultrasound-guided injection places the medication precisely for the best chance of relief.
Reserved for severe arthritis that hasn't responded to other measures. The options and what to expect are discussed at your consultation.
Seen in days — not months on a list.
A named specialist, not a junior — all the way through.
Every price published and confirmed in writing.
Seen privately, without the wait.
We bill major UK insurers directly.
Will I need surgery for thumb arthritis? +
Usually not. Most people are managed well with splinting, activity changes and injections. Surgery is only considered for severe arthritis that hasn't responded to these measures, and the options are discussed at your consultation.
How is it diagnosed? +
A consultant examines the joint and, where helpful, arranges a simple X-ray to confirm the diagnosis and show how much wear there is. Nerve tests aren't needed for arthritis.
Can a steroid injection help? +
For many people, yes — an injection can calm inflammation and relieve pain for a useful period. For the small joint at the thumb base, we may use an ultrasound-guided injection to place it precisely.
Can it affect both hands? +
Yes — thumb and hand arthritis often affects both sides, though one hand is usually more troublesome than the other.
Don't put up with it.
Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.