Thumb osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joint at the base of the thumb – often causing pain and difficulty gripping. It is a common condition that can make everyday movements like opening a can or turning a key challenging.
Want to read more about symptoms, causes and treatment ? Visit our Injury Guide on Thumb Arthritis.
What can I do to relieve the discomfort?
There is a lot you can do yourself to reduce pain and maintain hand function. Small changes in everyday life, the right support and regular hand exercises make a big difference. Try to take breaks when you use your hand a lot and use larger grips that reduce the strain on your thumb. Ergonomic aids such as pens and cutlery with enlarged grips can make everyday life easier.
In our Injury Guide you will find more advice on how to adapt your everyday life and when you should seek care.
Below you will find tips on four exercises for increased mobility and strength in the thumb. When exercising your hands, it is best to sit down. Make sure you have support for your forearms from a table or the armrest of an armchair so that you can relax your shoulders. It is important that you do not get more pain from the exercises. In that case, you may have taken too much or had an incorrect position in the joint during the exercise.
Four simple exercises for mobility and strength
Our physiotherapist Ida recommends four exercises that can help maintain mobility and strength in your thumb. Sit with support for your forearm and relax your shoulders. The exercises should never hurt – if it feels uncomfortable, reduce the range of motion or rest.
- Tied hand: Bend your hand and finger joints joint by joint until your hand is clenched. Hold for five seconds and then slowly straighten your hand again. Repeat ten times.
- S Instructions: Place your palm against a table and gently move your thumb out to the side. Keep the tip of your thumb slightly bent during the movement. Hold for five seconds. Repeat ten times.
- Thumb tip to fingertip: Move your thumb to each fingertip in turn – from index finger to little finger. Repeat ten times.
- Rubber band exercise: Place a rubber band around your thumb and hand. Move your thumb outward and hold for five seconds. Relax and repeat. The tip of your thumb should be kept slightly bent during the exercise. Gradually increase the resistance on the rubber band as you get stronger.
Ida's tips - 6 products that can help with thumb osteoarthritis
A thumb rest can make it easier to use your hand in everyday life. At Rehaboteket we have several models that provide relief and stability depending on how much support you need.
- Thumb rest CMC – flexible model made of water-resistant plastic and provides effective support for kitchen or household activities.
- Thumb rest Proxi CMC – stable model in thermoplastic with breathable Neptune material on the inside.
- Thumb rest Neptune short model – soft support with replaceable rails for customized support.
- Thumb rest Neptune long model – also provides support for the wrist.
- Thumb rest Dynamics – stable model that provides support further out on the thumb but leaves the palm free.
- Wrist support Orthoself – lighter compression support for milder discomfort and swelling.
Thumb osteoarthritis can be troublesome, but there is a lot you can do yourself to reduce pain and maintain function. With the right self-care, exercise and aids, you can continue to live an active life – without having to accept pain unnecessarily.
Read more about thumb osteoarthritis, treatment and diagnosis in our Injury Guide.
