Pain in my thumbs

[Guest Posts]

I get really bad pain in my thumbs from arthritis and I have trouble gripping tools and then releasing my grip if I wrap my hands around ie a hammer. Nothing I have tried seem to relieve the pain any ideas as to what to try ? Thank you, John

[Matthew Rogers]

Hi John,

I can see how this would be very frustrating for you if it’s making it difficult for you to do the things you want to. The good news is that stretching and strengthening exercises may well help. I have developed a number of exercises sheets for the charity Arthritis Action that you can access for free from https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/livi ... exercises/ (click the link and scroll down to the bottom of the page).

If gripping is difficult, there are a number of aids and gadgets that might help with tasks such as opening cans and jars https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/livi ... actsheets/

I hope you find this advice useful. If you would like further advice from a healthcare professional or to try some manual therapy, an osteopath might be able to help. You can find an osteopath near you at https://members.iosteopathy.org/find-an-osteopath

[Tracy Corbett]

Chat to your GP about a referral to a local Hands Therapy unit. Hands therapists (usually occupational therapists or physiotherapists) specialise in hands/wrists and will be able to help you with:
- specific targeted exercises
- assistive devices
- pain relief and advice on pacing and appropriate lifestyle/ergonomic modifications

[Dr Sandeep Bawa]

Hi,

not sure re your age, however OA at the base of thumbs is common as we get older - have you had them x rayed?
Physio and possibility of a joint injection if appropriate are treatment options.

Have you seen your GP?

SB