Trouble Gripping or Pinching?
It Might Be Basal Joint Pain
By Jeff Cowdry, OTR/L, CHT – Axes in Ballwin, MO
If you’ve been dealing with nagging pain at the base of your thumb—especially when gripping, pinching, or opening jars—you’re not alone. This type of pain, often caused by basal joint arthritis, is one of the most common hand issues seen by occupational therapists. And while it can affect anyone, it’s especially common among adults who use their hands frequently for work, hobbies, or daily life.
Axes Physical Therapy has safe and effective treatments for thumb and hand pain provided by experts across the Greater St. Louis area.
What Is the Basal Joint, and Why Does It Hurt?
The basal joint—also known as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint—is where the thumb connects to the wrist at a small bone called the trapezium. This joint allows your thumb to move in all directions and is critical for functional grip and pinch movements.
Why is it so vulnerable to pain? Because the joint is highly mobile, it also takes on significant stress. A small force at the tip of the thumb can translate into ten times the force at the basal joint. Over time, this repetitive stress can cause:
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Cartilage wear and tear
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Joint instability
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Overstretched ligaments
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Bone-on-bone contact
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Visible bumps or joint deformity
This condition is called basal joint arthritis, and it can range from mild irritation to severe, limiting pain.
Signs and Symptoms of Basal Joint Arthritis
Basal joint pain often begins subtly but can worsen over time. Common symptoms include:
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Aching or sharp pain at the base of the thumb
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Swelling or tenderness
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Loss of grip or pinch strength
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Difficulty opening jars, turning keys, or grasping wide objects
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Visible bump or joint shifting
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Hyperextension of the knuckle (MP joint)
In advanced cases, the joint may partially or fully dislocate—interestingly, some people report pain relief after this, even as joint stability worsens.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
While basal joint arthritis isn’t curable, conservative treatment through occupational therapy can make a major difference in how you function and feel.
At Axes Physical Therapy, our expert hand therapists—including Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs)—provide:
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Custom splinting to reduce stress and support the joint
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Targeted exercises to improve stability, mobility, and strength
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Manual therapy to address tight tissues and joint mechanics
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Adaptive tools to reduce strain in daily activities (e.g., jar openers, pens, grips)
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Education on joint protection techniques
Treatment goals include reducing pain, improving function, and delaying or avoiding surgery. Our team works closely with hand surgeons when surgery is needed, providing post-operative rehab to ensure strong, lasting results.
Is It Time to Seek Help?
If your thumb pain is interfering with your daily life—or getting worse over time—don’t wait. Early intervention can help slow the progression and keep you doing the things you love.
You don’t need a referral to begin care at Axes. With Direct Access, you can schedule an evaluation with one of our skilled hand therapists directly.
Thumb Pain is Common—Relief is Possible
You use your thumbs for nearly everything. Whether you’re opening a water bottle, texting, typing, or lifting your child, healthy thumbs matter.
Let our experienced occupational and hand therapists at Axes Physical Therapy help you feel better, move better, and get back to your life with less pain.
Schedule Your Free Injury Screening Today
Call your nearest clinic or schedule online at axespt.com
No referral needed. No insurance required for screenings. Just answers.
