Is It Thumb Arthritis Or De Quervain’s?

Two Common Causes Of Thumb Pain

If you have pain around the base of your thumb, you may have come across terms such as thumb arthritis and De Quervain’s as two of the potential thumb pain causes. 

Both conditions can contribute to discomfort when gripping, lifting, opening jars or performing everyday activities. Because the symptoms can feel quite similar, many people are unsure which condition they may be dealing with.

At Sydney Physio Clinic in Sydney CBD, these are two of the most common thumb complaints we assess. While both can cause thumb pain, they affect different structures and often require slightly different management approaches.

What Is Thumb Arthritis?

Thumb arthritis, often called thumb osteoarthritis, affects the joint at the base of the thumb. This joint plays an important role in gripping, pinching and hand function.

Over time, changes within the joint can contribute to:

• Pain at the base of the thumb
• Difficulty opening jars
• Pain turning keys
• Reduced grip strength
• Morning stiffness
• Aching after hand use

Thumb arthritis becomes more common with age but can affect active people of all ages.

What Is De Quervain’s?

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis involves irritation of two tendons that run along the thumb side of the wrist. Unlike arthritis, the pain is often felt slightly closer to the wrist rather than directly over the thumb joint.

People commonly notice:

• Pain lifting children
• Pain holding a phone
• Pain gripping objects
• Pain when twisting lids
• Tenderness on the thumb side of the wrist

New parents, office workers and people performing repetitive gripping activities often experience these symptoms.

How Can You Tell The Difference Between These Common Thumb Pain Causes?

Although both conditions can cause thumb pain, there are some common differences.

Thumb arthritis often produces:

• Pain directly at the base of the thumb joint
• Stiffness
• Reduced grip strength
• Symptoms that gradually develop over time

De Quervain’s more commonly causes:

• Pain closer to the wrist
• Tenderness over the tendons
• Pain during lifting and gripping
• Symptoms linked to repetitive hand use

However, it is important to remember that diagnosis cannot be made based solely on online information. Assessment by a medical professional is often required to determine what is contributing to symptoms.

Can You Have Both?

Yes. Some people experience features of both conditions.

This is one reason why an individual assessment can be helpful when symptoms persist.

When Should You Seek Assessment?

It may be worth seeking physiotherapy assessment if:

• Thumb pain is affecting daily activities
• Grip strength feels reduced
• Symptoms are becoming more frequent
• You are avoiding activities because of pain
• Simple tasks such as opening jars are becoming difficult

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

At Sydney Physio Clinic, assessment focuses on identifying the factors contributing to your symptoms and helping you return to the activities that matter most.

Management may include:

• Exercise prescription
• Activity modification advice
• Strengthening programs
• Load management strategies
• Advice regarding supports or braces when appropriate

What Does Research Say About Thumb Pain Causes?

Research supports exercise, education and activity modification as important components in managing many thumb conditions. Maintaining hand function and strength remains an important goal regardless of the diagnosis.

FAQs About Thumb Pain Causes

Is thumb arthritis common?

Yes. Thumb osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of hand osteoarthritis.

Can De Quervain’s go away on its own?

Some cases improve with activity modification, although persistent symptoms may benefit from assessment and treatment.

Why does my thumb hurt when opening jars?

This may occur with thumb arthritis, De Quervain’s or other thumb-related conditions.

Can physiotherapy help thumb pain?

Physiotherapy may help improve strength, function and symptom management depending on the underlying cause.

When should I seek help?

If symptoms are affecting work, hobbies or daily activities, assessment may be worthwhile.

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