Why Does My Thumb Hurt at the Base?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 21st, 2026.
Thumb pain at the base typically stems from arthritis, tendinitis, or overuse injuries affecting the carpometacarpal joint. This joint connects your thumb to your wrist and bears significant stress during gripping, pinching, and twisting motions. Basal thumb arthritis affects up to 25% of women and 12% of men over age 50, making it the most common cause of base-of-thumb pain. De Quervain's tenosynovitis, which inflames tendons on the thumb side of your wrist, can also cause pain that radiates to the thumb base. Other causes include ligament sprains from falls or repetitive strain from activities like texting, gaming, or manual labor. The pain often worsens with activities requiring thumb pressure, such as opening jars or turning keys.
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