What Are the Causes If the Base of the Thumb on the Palm Side Is Painful?

Osteoarthritis:

One of the most common causes of pain at the base of the thumb is osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time. As a result, the bones may rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly during activities that involve gripping or pinching.

Tendonitis:

Tendonitis, specifically de Quervain's tenosynovitis, is another potential cause of pain at the base of the thumb. This condition involves inflammation of the tendons that control thumb movement, leading to pain on the thumb side of the wrist and at the base of the thumb. Symptoms often worsen with activities that require repetitive thumb motion, such as texting or using a smartphone.

Injuries:

Injuries to the thumb, such as sprains or fractures, can also result in pain at the base. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the joint are stretched or torn, while a fracture involves a break in the bone. Both conditions can cause significant pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the thumb.

Ligament Injuries:

Injuries to the ligaments at the base of the thumb, such as a gamekeeper's thumb (also known as skier's thumb), can lead to pain and instability in the joint. This injury typically occurs when the thumb is forcibly bent backward, causing damage to the ulnar collateral ligament.

Other Conditions:

Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, can also cause pain at the base of the thumb. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that leads to joint inflammation, while gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain.