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Condition

Thumb base arthritis

Wear at the saddle joint at the base of the thumb (the carpometacarpal or CMC joint). Pain with pinching, opening jars, and turning keys is common.

Common triggers

  • Years of pinch-heavy tasks
  • Family history; more common with age

When to seek care

  • Pain that limits self-care or work
  • Visible deformity at the base of the thumb
  • Grip weakness that doesn't recover with rest

Sources