Pain at the Base of the Thumb: Why It Hurts When You Grip and What Helps

'How to distinguish thumb-base arthritis from tendon pain—and build a practical routine for easier gripping.

If opening jars, turning keys, fastening buttons or holding a phone causes a deep ache where your thumb meets your wrist, thumb-base osteoarthritis is one of the most likely explanations.

The affected joint is called the carpometacarpal or CMC joint. It allows the thumb to move across the palm and meet the fingers, which means almost every pinch and grip sends force through it.

Location still matters:

• Deep pain at the fleshy base of the thumb, worse with pinching and twisting: commonly thumb-base arthritis

• Pain along the thumb side of the wrist: more suggestive of De Quervain’s tendon irritation

• Catching or locking on the palm side of the thumb: may be trigger thumb

• Pain beginning after a fall or the thumb bending backwards: needs assessment for an injury

• Soft swelling across several joints on both hands: may point toward inflammatory arthritis rather than isolated thumb osteoarthritis

Most gradual thumb-base arthritis can be managed without surgery. The most useful plan combines three things: stabilize the joint, reduce the strain placed through it and support it consistently.

Below: how to identify the pattern, which splint and exercises may help, and how to build a daily routine for the thumb you depend on every time you grip.

Table of Contents

• At a Glance

• Which Thumb-Pain Pattern Fits?

• What Is Thumb-Base Arthritis?

• Other Causes of Pain at the Base of the Thumb

• Why Does My Thumb Hurt When I Grip?

• Can Texting Cause Thumb Pain?

• How Thumb Arthritis Is Diagnosed

• Does This Sound Like Thumb-Base Arthritis?

• The Three-Part Plan for Thumb-Base Arthritis

• A Five-Minute Thumb Routine

• Daily Support for the Thumb Joint

• Pain-Relief Options

• When to See a Doctor

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Further Reading

• References

At a Glance

What usually causes pain at the base of the thumb?

Thumb-base or CMC osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes, particularly after age 40. De Quervain’s tendon irritation, trigger thumb and injuries are the main alternatives.

Why does gripping hurt?

Pinching and twisting concentrate considerable force through the small CMC joint. An irritated or osteoarthritic joint often complains when you open jars, turn keys, write or hold objects tightly.

What helps most?

A well-fitted thumb splint, wider and easier grips, gentle exercises and consistent daily joint support.

Can I avoid surgery?

Most people begin with conservative care. Surgery is considered when pain and loss of function remain unacceptable despite an appropriate non-surgical plan.

When should I get checked?

Seek prompt assessment after a fall, if the thumb feels unstable or unusually weak, if it locks, or if the joint is hot, red or markedly swollen.

Which Thumb-Pain Pattern Fits?

Several joints, tendons and ligaments sit close together where the thumb meets the wrist. The precise location and triggering movement help separate the most likely causes.

Where the pain sits is a clue rather than a diagnosis. More than one condition can exist at the same time.

If several large knuckles or wrists are swollen on both hands, particularly with prolonged morning stiffness, see our guide to osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritis.

What Is Thumb-Base Arthritis?

Thumb-base arthritis affects the carpometacarpal or CMC joint, where the thumb’s metacarpal bone meets a small wrist bone called the trapezium.

This is a saddle-shaped joint. Its unusual shape gives the thumb the freedom to swing across the palm, rotate and pinch against the fingers. That mobility is what makes the human thumb so useful—but it also places substantial load through a relatively small joint.

Thumb-base arthritis is particularly common in women and usually becomes noticeable after age 40 [3]. Previous injury, joint looseness and years of repeated gripping may contribute.

What happens inside the joint?

Osteoarthritis is a whole-joint condition. The cartilage cushioning the bones gradually changes and thins, while the bone, joint lining, ligaments and surrounding tissues change too.

As the surfaces stop moving as smoothly, the joint may become painful, stiff or unstable. Muscles around the thumb can then work harder to compensate.

Common symptoms

Thumb-base arthritis commonly causes:

• a deep ache where the thumb meets the wrist;

• pain when opening jars or turning keys;

• discomfort when pinching a pen, peg or bag clip;

• weaker grip or pinch strength;

• stiffness after rest;

• tenderness when pressing directly over the CMC joint;

• difficulty holding wider or heavier objects;

• an enlarged or prominent-looking thumb base in later stages.

Symptoms often fluctuate. The thumb may become more painful after a period of heavy use and then settle again.

An X-ray may show joint-space narrowing, bone spurs or changes in the position of the joint, but the severity of an X-ray does not always match the severity of the pain.

Other Causes of Pain at the Base of the Thumb

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

De Quervain’s affects two tendons that run along the thumb side of the wrist. When the tendons and their surrounding covering become irritated, movement through their narrow tunnel becomes painful [4].

The pain usually sits farther toward the wrist than CMC arthritis and may travel into the lower forearm.

Common triggers include:

• lifting a baby;

• repetitive gripping;

• gardening;

• typing or heavy phone use;

• repeated wrist and thumb movements;

• lifting objects with the thumb pointing upwards.

De Quervain’s usually hurts when the wrist bends toward the little-finger side, especially when the thumb is held inside the palm.

Trigger thumb

Trigger thumb occurs when the tendon that bends the thumb catches as it passes through a tightened band of tissue [5].

It commonly causes:

• a tender lump on the palm side of the thumb base;

• clicking or popping;

• catching during bending or straightening;

• a thumb that temporarily locks;

• symptoms that are worse after waking.

Trigger thumb is more common in women aged 40 to 60 and in people with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

An injury from a fall

Pain beginning after a fall onto an outstretched hand should be treated as a possible injury rather than routine arthritis.

A fracture of the scaphoid—a small wrist bone near the base of the thumb—can initially feel like a sprain and may not always appear on the first X-ray [6].

Possible warning signs include:

• pain or tenderness in the small hollow at the thumb side of the wrist;

• swelling after a fall;

• pain when gripping or pushing;

• discomfort when the thumb is moved backwards.

A thumb bent sharply backwards or sideways can also tear a supporting ligament. This may leave the thumb feeling unstable and make pinching unusually weak.

Both problems need prompt assessment.

Inflammatory arthritis

Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis can affect the thumb, but isolated pain in the CMC joint is more characteristic of osteoarthritis.

Inflammatory arthritis becomes more likely when:

• several finger joints or wrists are swollen;

• similar joints are affected on both hands;

• the swelling feels soft and puffy;

• morning stiffness lasts longer than 30 to 60 minutes;

• you also experience fatigue or feel generally unwell;

• you have psoriasis or nail changes.

That pattern deserves medical assessment rather than being managed as isolated thumb-base arthritis.

Why Does My Thumb Hurt When I Grip?

The thumb works against the fingers in almost every useful grip. Pinching and grasping concentrate force through the small joint at its base [7].

Tight, narrow grips generally load the joint more than broad, relaxed grips. Examples include:

• turning a small key;

• twisting a tight jar lid;

• pinching a clothes peg;

• holding a thin pen;

• opening a bag clip;

• pulling a zip;

• using scissors;

• holding a phone in one hand.

When the cartilage and other tissues in the CMC joint have become sensitive, these ordinary movements can be enough to trigger pain.

This is why an effective plan cannot focus on pain relief alone. It should also change how force moves through the thumb.

A wider grip, two-handed technique or simple gadget can reduce the strain placed through the joint every day. Repeated across hundreds of daily grips, small changes can make a meaningful difference.

Can Texting Cause Thumb Pain?

Heavy phone use can aggravate the thumb, particularly during long periods of one-handed scrolling or typing.

Texting can irritate the tendons involved in De Quervain’s and can make existing thumb-base arthritis more noticeable [4]. It is better understood as an aggravating activity than as the complete cause of the problem.

Practical adjustments include:

• holding the phone with both hands;

• typing with an index finger;

• using voice-to-text;

• supporting the phone on a surface;

• avoiding long one-handed scrolling sessions;

• taking regular movement breaks.

If the pain is concentrated along the thumb side of the wrist rather than deep in the CMC joint, tendon irritation may be more likely.

How Thumb Arthritis Is Diagnosed

A doctor can often diagnose thumb-base arthritis from the history and an examination.

They may check:

• the exact location of tenderness;

• grip and pinch strength;

• how stable the joint feels;

• whether the thumb has shifted out of alignment;

• which movements reproduce the familiar pain.

The grind test

During a grind test, the clinician gently presses the thumb toward its base joint and rotates it. Familiar pain or grinding may support a diagnosis of CMC arthritis.

The test is not perfect and should be considered alongside the rest of the examination.

X-rays

An X-ray can show:

• narrowing of the joint space;

• bone spurs;

• changes in the shape of the joint;

• movement of the thumb metacarpal out of its normal position.

Treatment should be based on pain and function as well as the X-ray. A joint that looks considerably changed on imaging is not automatically beyond conservative care.

Tests for other conditions

For suspected De Quervain’s, a clinician may gently position the thumb and wrist to see whether this reproduces pain along the thumb-side tendons.

A recent fall may require wrist X-rays and, occasionally, repeat imaging if a scaphoid fracture remains suspected despite an initially normal result.

Does This Sound Like Thumb-Base Arthritis?

• The pain sits where the thumb meets the wrist.

• Opening jars, turning keys or pinching makes it worse.

• It developed gradually rather than after a recent fall.

• The thumb feels stiff after rest.

• Grip or pinch strength is not what it used to be.

• The pain is concentrated in one thumb rather than several soft, swollen joints.

If most of these fit, the three-part thumb-joint plan below is the most relevant place to start.

The Three-Part Plan for Thumb-Base Arthritis

Most people begin with conservative care. The main guidelines for hand osteoarthritis emphasize education, joint protection, exercises and splinting [1][2].

The most practical plan has three parts.

1. Stabilize the joint

A well-fitted thumb splint is one of the best-supported treatments for thumb-base arthritis.

The American College of Rheumatology strongly recommends an orthosis for first-CMC osteoarthritis [2]. European guidance also recommends an appropriate splint, particularly for longer-term use [1].

A CMC splint should:

• support the joint at the base of the thumb;

• reduce painful or unstable movement;

• allow useful finger movement;

• feel secure without being excessively tight.

Some people wear a splint during aggravating tasks. Others find it helpful at night or during a flare. A hand therapist can help select or custom-fit the right design.

Arthritis and De Quervain’s require different support

A CMC brace focuses on the thumb-base joint.

De Quervain’s usually requires a longer thumb-spica splint that supports both the thumb and wrist. Using the wrong style may fail to rest the irritated structure.

2. Reduce unnecessary strain

Joint protection does not mean avoiding all movement. It means changing how force passes through the thumb.

Use wider grips

Choose:

• chunky pens;

• padded handles;

• wide cooking utensils;

• larger garden-tool grips;

• cups with easy-to-hold handles.

A wider grip reduces the tight pinch required from the thumb.

Let tools do the twisting

Useful aids include:

• jar-opening devices;

• key turners;

• electric can openers;

• lever-style taps;

• spring-loaded scissors;

• easy-grip bottle openers.

These are not signs of weakness. They preserve the joint for tasks that matter more.

Use both hands

Hold heavier mugs, pans, containers and books with two hands. Push doors with the palm or forearm instead of the thumb.

When carrying bags, use the whole hand, forearm or shoulder rather than hooking weight through the thumb.

Break up repetitive tasks

Gardening, sewing, phone use, food preparation and craft work can all become painful when done continuously.

Short pauses and changes of grip are usually more useful than waiting until the thumb is already flaring.

3. Keep it moving and support it consistently

A stable joint still needs appropriate movement. Gentle exercises help maintain mobility and support the muscles controlling the thumb.

Warmth before movement can ease stiffness, while a wrapped cold pack may feel better during an irritated flare.

A consistent daily joint-support step can sit alongside the splint, grip changes and exercises. This is where URAH fits later in the routine.

A Five-Minute Thumb Routine

These exercises may suit many people with gradual thumb-base osteoarthritis. The best individual program varies, and a hand therapist can adjust the movements to your particular joint.

Stop if an exercise causes sharp pain.

If you have De Quervain’s, trigger thumb, a recent injury or a hot swollen joint, ask a clinician or hand therapist which movements are suitable.

1. Warm the thumb

Place the hand in comfortably warm water or wrap it in a warm towel for one to two minutes.

2. Thumb-to-finger touches

Touch the tip of the thumb to each fingertip in turn, making a gentle “O” shape.

Repeat five times.

3. Web-space stretch

Rest the hand on its little-finger side. Gently widen the space between the thumb and index finger.

Hold for approximately 10 seconds, then relax.

Repeat five times without forcing the stretch.

4. Thumb lifts

Place the hand flat on a table with the palm facing down. Gently lift the thumb away from the surface, hold for approximately five seconds and lower it.

Repeat five to eight times.

5. Light gripping

Gently squeeze a soft sponge or foam ball for three to five seconds, then release.

Repeat five to eight times.

Keep the pressure light. Forceful squeezing and tight pinching can increase the load through the CMC joint.

Daily Support for the Thumb Joint

The thumb-base joint is small, but it carries a disproportionate share of the work involved in pinching and gripping.

Splinting stabilizes it. Easier grips reduce the load placed through it. Movement maintains flexibility and cycles joint fluid.

A consistent daily-support step can sit alongside all three.

What cartilage needs

Cartilage is built around a collagen framework and a water-holding matrix rich in glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid. This structure cushions the joint during gripping, twisting and pinching [10][11].

Glucosamine is a compound the body makes naturally and uses in pathways involved in maintaining the cartilage matrix. Laboratory research suggests it can influence aggrecan, type II collagen and matrix-degrading enzymes [13].

Cartilage has almost no direct blood supply. It receives nutrients through the fluid inside the joint, which is derived from circulation and cycled through cartilage by the squeeze and release of movement [10][11].

That makes both delivery and movement relevant.

Why the delivery route matters

A conventional glucosamine tablet must pass through digestion and first-pass metabolism before the remaining glucosamine reaches circulation.

Major guidelines do not recommend conventional oral glucosamine for osteoarthritis because clinical findings have not been sufficiently consistent [2]. Most of that evidence concerns ordinary swallowed preparations.

URAH Joint Health Omega-3 uses a different formulation and route.

It is an MD-Tech transdermal cream rather than an ordinary surface-level topical. Patented MD-Tech wraps glucosamine in micelles—tiny carriers designed to help it cross the skin where it is applied.

Apply it over the fleshy base of the thumb: the joint needing support first.

After absorption, glucosamine enters circulation and becomes available beyond the application area. At the joint, fluid derived from circulation helps nourish cartilage, while movement cycles that fluid through the cartilage matrix.

Targeted first. Circulates further.

The cream does not rely on heat, cooling, burning or a strong smell to create a temporary sensation. It is designed as a consistent joint-support routine.

Three findings that point in the same direction

1. Systemic availability

In an absorption comparison, plasma glucosamine measured two hours after applying URAH micellar glucosamine was approximately 10× higher than after the oral preparation [9].

This supports the ability of the micellar delivery system to move glucosamine through the skin and into circulation.

2. An encouraging joint-level finding

In a peer-reviewed 12-week study involving people with knee osteoarthritis, every group used 8% URAH cream.

In the group that had the cream applied by hand using cross-friction massage, medial joint-space width increased by approximately 61% relative to baseline [8].

Medial joint-space width is an indirect X-ray marker used to estimate cartilage thickness. Osteoarthritis is normally associated with progressive narrowing, so the measured widening was an encouraging structural signal.

The study involved knees rather than thumbs. It does not establish the same structural outcome in the CMC joint or prove that new cartilage formed.

3. Everyday clinical use

In a four-week open clinical survey across 16 outpatient clinics in Singapore, people with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis reported improvements in pain and function after using URAH transdermal glucosamine. The survey reported no adverse reactions or skin irritation [12].

Because the survey was open-label and did not include a placebo group, it cannot show how much of the improvement came from the cream itself.

Together, the absorption finding, knee-study result and clinic experience provide a credible reason to consider URAH as a daily support step alongside the foundations of thumb care.

URAH was developed in Singapore by scientist Dr Jonathan Obaje, with research and development beginning in 1999. It has been recommended in hospitals and clinics for over 15 years, with more than one million units sold worldwide.

What progress should you look for?

The purpose of a thumb-joint routine is not simply to create a temporary sensation on the skin.

Over time, look for practical changes such as:

• less stiffness when you first use the hand;

• easier turning of keys or taps;

• more confidence holding a mug;

• less discomfort during writing or phone use;

• fewer reminders from the thumb during food preparation;

• better tolerance for ordinary pinching and gripping.

Individual responses vary. If pain continues to worsen or the thumb becomes unstable, arrange an assessment rather than continuing self-care indefinitely.

Support the thumb behind every grip

Opening jars, turning keys, writing, cooking and fastening clothes all depend on the small joint at the base of your thumb.

Give it a routine that reduces unnecessary strain, keeps it moving and supports it consistently.

Massage approximately 0.5g—about a fingertip amount—over the base of the thumb for about a minute, once or twice daily. Follow with gentle thumb movement and continue using your splint or grip modifications where appropriate.

• Apply directly over the thumb-base joint

• Micellar glucosamine without another tablet

• No heat, burn or strong smell

• Fits into a simple morning and evening routine

• 60-day money-back guarantee

Start My Thumb-Joint Routine →

Use URAH consistently rather than as an occasional pain cream. Some people report changes in comfort sooner, while the published knee study assessed outcomes at 12 weeks.

Research context: the published joint-space study involved knee osteoarthritis rather than thumb arthritis. Every study group used the cream and there was no placebo-only group; the hand-massage group showed the standout joint-space result. The clinic survey was open-label, and individual experiences vary. Details are available on the URAH Research & Evidence page.

Pain-Relief Options

Topical anti-inflammatory medicine

For hand osteoarthritis, guidelines generally prefer topical treatments over tablets where appropriate, with topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac among the principal options [1][2].

These medicines are used for pain relief. They perform a different job from a consistent cartilage-matrix support routine.

Ask a pharmacist whether a topical anti-inflammatory is suitable for you, particularly if you already use other anti-inflammatory medicines.

Oral pain relief

Oral anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help during some flares but are not suitable for everyone.

Check with a doctor or pharmacist first if you:

• have a history of stomach ulcers;

• have kidney or heart problems;

• have high blood pressure;

• take anticoagulants or blood thinners;

• already use other anti-inflammatory medicine.

Check product labels carefully so you do not accidentally combine medicines containing the same pain-relief ingredient.

Steroid injections

Steroid injections are commonly used for De Quervain’s and trigger thumb when appropriate [4][5].

For thumb-base osteoarthritis, recommendations are more mixed [1][2]. An injection may provide temporary symptom relief for some people but does not rebuild the cartilage or remove the mechanical load placed through the joint.

Surgery

Surgery becomes an option when pain and loss of hand function remain unacceptable despite a reasonable period of conservative care.

For thumb-base arthritis, one established procedure involves removing the small trapezium bone, sometimes with additional ligament reconstruction or tendon work.

Surgery is not the inevitable next step after a diagnosis. Many people manage thumb-base arthritis for years using splinting, load modification, exercises and appropriate symptom support.

When to See a Doctor

Seek prompt assessment if you have:

• Pain or marked tenderness after falling onto the hand

• Pain in the hollow at the thumb side of the wrist after a fall

• A thumb that feels loose or unstable

• Weak pinch following the thumb being bent backwards

• A thumb that locks and will not straighten

• A hot, red or markedly swollen joint

• Fever or feeling unwell alongside joint pain

• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the thumb or hand

Arrange a routine appointment if:

• Pain keeps worsening

• Grip or pinch strength continues declining

• The thumb is visibly shifting or enlarging

• Several hand joints are swollen

• Morning stiffness lasts longer than 30 to 60 minutes

• Self-care has not produced improvement after several weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my thumb hurt when I press on it?

Tenderness directly over the fleshy CMC joint may come from thumb-base arthritis. Pain farther toward the thumb side of the wrist may be De Quervain’s.

Tenderness after a fall—particularly in the small hollow near the thumb-side wrist—needs assessment for a possible scaphoid fracture.

Why does my thumb hurt when I bend it?

Pain during bending can come from the CMC joint, irritated tendons or trigger thumb.

Catching, clicking or locking suggests trigger thumb. Pain running along the thumb side of the wrist fits De Quervain’s more closely. A deep ache during gripping or pinching is more typical of CMC arthritis.

Why does my thumb hurt when I wake up?

Osteoarthritis commonly causes stiffness after rest. The thumb may feel reluctant to move when you first wake and then loosen gradually.

Trigger thumb can also catch or lock most noticeably in the morning.

Prolonged stiffness with soft swelling across several joints raises inflammatory arthritis and should be assessed.

Why does my thumb joint pop?

A painless pop may come from tendons moving or gas shifting inside the joint.

Popping accompanied by pain, catching or locking may indicate trigger thumb, tendon irritation or joint changes. A painful pop following an injury needs assessment.

Can rheumatoid arthritis cause thumb-base pain?

Yes, rheumatoid arthritis can involve the thumb, but isolated CMC pain is more characteristic of osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis becomes more likely when several large knuckles or wrists are softly swollen on both hands and morning stiffness lasts longer than 30 to 60 minutes.

Can thumb arthritis go away?

The underlying osteoarthritic joint changes do not usually disappear completely. However, pain, stiffness and function can improve considerably with the right splint, grip changes, exercises, symptom relief and consistent daily support.

Symptoms often fluctuate, so an uncomfortable period does not automatically mean the joint will continue worsening at the same rate.

How long does De Quervain’s take to heal?

Recovery varies according to severity, duration and treatment. Reducing aggravating movements, using the correct splint and receiving appropriate treatment can help.

Persistent symptoms should be assessed because an injection or other treatment may be appropriate.

Is a thumb splint worth trying?

Yes. A thumb-base orthosis is one of the most strongly supported conservative treatments for CMC osteoarthritis [1][2].

The design matters. A brace for CMC arthritis differs from the longer thumb-spica splint typically used for De Quervain’s.

How long does URAH take to work on the thumb joint?

Individual experiences vary. Some customers report comfort changes within the first several weeks, while the published knee study assessed outcomes at 12 weeks.

URAH is designed as a consistent daily-support routine rather than an instant-sensation pain cream.

Does URAH only support the area where it is applied?

Apply URAH over the thumb-base joint needing the most attention first.

Its micellar delivery system helps glucosamine cross the skin in that area, after which absorbed glucosamine enters circulation and becomes available beyond the application site.

This provides a local-first application method with broader systemic availability.

Further Reading

• Osteoarthritis vs Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Knuckle and Finger Joint Pain

• Can Arthritis in Fingers Be Reversed?

• Best Cream for Osteoarthritis: An Evidence-Based Comparison

• URAH Research & Evidence

References

1. Kloppenburg M, Kroon FP, Blanco FJ, et al. 2018 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of hand osteoarthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2019;78(1):16–24.

2. Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al. 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Care & Research. 2020;72(2):149–162.

3. Massachusetts General Hospital, Hand and Arm Center. Arthritis at the Base of the Thumb. Patient information.

4. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis.

5. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Trigger Finger.

6. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Scaphoid Fracture of the Wrist.

7. University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. Thumb Arthritis. Patient information.

8. Onigbinde AT, et al. Symptoms-modifying effects of electromotive administration of glucosamine sulphate among patients with knee osteoarthritis. Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal. 2018;38(1):63–75.

9. Liang K, Xu K, Bessarab D, Obaje J, Xu C. Arbutin encapsulated micelles improved transdermal delivery and suppression of cellular melanin production. BMC Research Notes. 2016;9:254. Glucosamine plasma comparison reported in Supplementary Figure S7; glucosamine was not the paper’s primary subject.

10. Sophia Fox AJ, Bedi A, Rodeo SA. The basic science of articular cartilage: structure, composition, and function. Sports Health. 2009;1(6):461–468.

11. Wang Y, Wei L, Zeng L, He D, Wei X. Nutrition and degeneration of articular cartilage. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2013;21(8):1751–1762.

12. Ng GH, Lee YM, Obaje J. A transdermal glucosamine formulation improves osteoarthritic symptoms in an open clinical survey. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2011;3(3):80–83.

13. Derfoul A, Miyoshi AD, Freeman DE, Tuan RS. Glucosamine promotes chondrogenic phenotype in both chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells and inhibits MMP-13 expression and matrix degradation. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2007;15(6):646–655.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or hand therapist about thumb pain that is severe, persistent or getting worse. Seek prompt assessment after an injury or for a hot, red or markedly swollen joint.

About the author
Naomi Kim has over seven years of experience in healthcare, including founding a health startup. She contributes to Umicellar’s evidence-based approach to joint health and healthy aging.