Opening a jar. Turning a key. Gripping a coffee mug.
If you have arthritis at the base of your thumb, even these small movements can become frustrating — and painful.
Thumb basal joint arthritis is common, especially with age, and it tends to develop gradually as cartilage wears down and the joint becomes irritated.
At Central Jersey Hand Surgery, we take a thoughtful, step-by-step approach to treatment. For many patients, that begins with nonsurgical options — and often, those are enough to make a meaningful difference.
Most cases of thumb arthritis don’t go straight to surgery.
In fact, you can manage early and moderate symptoms with a combination of conservative treatments that:
Let’s walk through what that looks like.
This is usually where we start because it’s one of the most effective steps.
A lot of thumb pain comes from repetitive motions. Think about how often you pinch, twist, or grip things throughout the day. It adds up.
We walk through your daily routines with you and look for simple ways to take pressure off that joint. That might mean using tools with larger handles, changing how you open jars, or even just being more mindful of certain movements.
These aren’t dramatic changes. But done consistently, they can take a surprising amount of strain off your thumb.
A thumb splint can make a big difference.
It stabilizes the joint and limits movement that causes pain, giving your joint a chance to rest and calm down.
Some people wear a splint:
At our practice, we help you find a splint that fits comfortably and supports your daily routine — not one that obstructs it.
Medications can help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
Options may include:
We guide you on safe, appropriate use based on your overall health and symptoms.
Sometimes the simplest tools are the most helpful.
You can use:
Many patients find that alternating between the two gives them the best relief.
When people hear “therapy,” they sometimes think it’s going to be painful or overly complicated.
It isn’t.
Hand therapy is quite practical. It focuses on helping your hand work better in real life — not just in a clinical setting.
We may recommend working with a hand therapist who can show you simple exercises to improve movement and build strength around the joint. Just as important, they teach you how to move in ways that protect your thumb going forward.
The goal isn’t to push through pain, but rather, to give your joint the support it’s been missing.
Sometimes, even when you’re doing everything right, the joint is still irritated.
That’s where an injection can help.
We can place a corticosteroid injection directly into the joint to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. For many people, that relief comes fairly quickly and can last for a while.
It isn’t a permanent fix or something we rely on repeatedly. But used at the right time, it can make a big difference — especially if pain is starting to interfere with your day.
What we see most often is that no single treatment works on its own. The best results usually come from combining several approaches — for example:
In the early stages, this combined approach can significantly reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Most patients prefer to avoid surgery — and we agree, when possible.
But if:
Then surgery may be the next step.
Several surgical options are available, depending on your specific condition, all designed to reduce pain and improve function.
At Central Jersey Hand Surgery, we don’t rush that decision. We make sure you’ve fully explored conservative care first — and when surgery is needed, we guide you through it carefully.
With the right combination of nonsurgical treatments, many people can reduce pain, improve function, and avoid surgery altogether.
To find a treatment plan that fits your life and gets you back to using your hands comfortably again, schedule an appointment with Central Jersey Hand Surgery in Eatontown, Toms River, or Freehold, New Jersey.
