“Carpal tunnel and arthritis?”

symptoms sound more like osteoarthritis of the thumb and not carpal tunnel syndrome

Thank you for your question. Carpal tunnel syndrome typically causes numbness and tingling pain in the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the base of the thumb, which would cause pain with use. Your symptoms sound like osteoarthritis to me. If you have not seen improvement with the thumb brace, you could ask your doctor about an X ray of your hand to assess the severity of arthritis. Topical pain relievers may be effective. In some cases a steroid injection into the joint can help.

Thank you for reaching out to us. Pain at the base of the thumb that gets worse with activity is likely related to osteoarthritis of the thumb. Use of topical pain medications and use of brace is helpful. Carpal tunnel usually causes numbness and tingling in the fingers especially the 1-3 with hand activity and sometimes at night. Thank you

To determine whether the pain in your right thumb is due to carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis, it is essential to consider the specific symptoms and characteristics of each condition.


Carpal tunnel syndrome: This condition is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may include pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger.
Arthritis: Hand arthritis can cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. The pain in arthritis is typically more generalized throughout the hand, rather than confined to one specific location.
Given that your pain is localized to the lower part of your thumb and happens with movement, it may be more indicative of arthritis. However, a conclusive diagnosis should be made by a healthcare professional, who can perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and order appropriate diagnostic tests if necessary.

Common causes of thumb pain can include osteoarthritis at base of thumb, trigger thumb and tendinitis From location of symptoms and description, sounds like base of thumb osteoarthritis Carpal tunnel syndrome will cause numbness of first 3 fingers Hope that helps.

Careful examination and possible imaging, starting with X-ray, possible electrodiagnostics

Could be carpal tunnel if there are feelings of pins and needles in the thumb and first 2 fingers, but osteoarthritis of the thumb is common. Motrin-like drugs can work, we have a topical solution for both of these which has DMSO and steroid in an applicator, and we sell it to our
regular patients for $40 and it lasts for many months.