Thumb joint pain:
Is it arthritis or Blackberry Thumb?

Thumb joint pain can be the result of several conditions: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or "Blackberry Thumb," medically referred to as de Quervain's tendonitis. You may very well need to have a doctor determine the cause of your joint pain.

Arthritis and thumb joint pain

Osteoarthritis, the type of arthritis associated with wear and tear of the joints, commonly occurs in the thumb. Because the thumb is critical to grasping and holding objects, it gets a lot of use and over time the thumb joint can become inflamed and suffer cartilage damage, which is osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can also occur in the thumb joint but this type of arthritis occurs because the body's immune system for unknown reasons attacks itself and damages the joint linings.

Typical symptoms of thumb arthritis are:

• Pain, swelling and stiffness at the base of the thumb
• Limited range of motion when using the thumb
• Painful sensation when gripping to open a jar, turn a key or pull a zipper
• Reduced strengh when gripping an object
• Bony lump at the base of the thumb

Medical treatments include anti-inflammatory prescription medications, physical therapy, cortisone shots, splinting and in severe cases, surgery. Medical professionals may also recommend resting the joint when possible and applying heat and cold.

One home remedy for thumb joint pain is to begin adding foods that reduce arthritis symptoms to your diet.

You may also want to explore arthritis-fighting herbs and supplements.

Think arthritis is causing your joint pain? See our page on "what causes arthritis?"

Blackberry Thumb or de Quervain's tendonitis

The term "Blackberry Thumb" was coined in about 2006, when some individuals began texting and instant messaging on electronic devices for up hours a day. This repetitive motion using mainly the thumbs led to a condition called de Quervain's tendonitis. Accordint to the Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies, symptoms of this condition are:

• Swelling and tenderness at the base of the thumb and radial side of the wrist
• Numbness in the back of the thumb and index finger
• Pain when a fist is made
• Difficulty moving the thumb and wrist when making a grasping or pinching motion
• Feeling or hearing squeaking when the thumb's tendon moves

Recommended home treatments for Blackberry Thumb or deQuervain's include: taking anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen and resting the thumb (but for no more than two-three days or range of motion could be affected).

Individuals may want to consider adding anti-inflammatory foods to their diet or herbs and supplements shown to reduce inflammation.

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The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice or diagnose or treat any health condition. The statements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.