Thumb base arthritis
Thumb base arthritis (also called CMC joint arthritis) is wear of the joint at the base of the thumb, causing pain and a weaker grip. Read more about thumb base arthritis →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the orthopaedics wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
orthopaedics waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 5 weeks |
| Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust | Bath and North East Somerset | 12 weeks |
| Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Liverpool | 13 weeks |
| George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust | Nuneaton and Bedworth | 13 weeks |
| South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust | Warwick | 14 weeks |
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | Birmingham | 15 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 15 weeks |
| University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Camden | 16 weeks |
About thumb base arthritis
Thumb base arthritis is osteoarthritis of the joint at the base of the thumb, where it meets the wrist. It is common with age and causes pain at the base of the thumb, especially when gripping, pinching or twisting things like jar lids and keys, along with stiffness and sometimes a weaker grip or a bump at the joint.
How it is treated
It cannot be cured but can usually be managed. First steps are pain relief, a supportive splint for the thumb, and changing how you grip or using aids for awkward tasks, with hand exercises to keep it moving. A steroid injection can help a painful flare. When symptoms are severe and other treatment has not helped, surgery to the joint is an option a specialist can discuss.
After treatment
Many people keep the pain manageable for a long time with splints, aids and exercises. Pacing activities and protecting the joint help; if it becomes very painful or limits the hand despite this, your team can talk through further options.
Sources: NHS: Osteoarthritis. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.