By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 5, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video Thumb arthritis is one of the most common — and underappreciated — causes of hand pain and disability. The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint at the base of the thumb bears tremendous load throughout the day: opening jars, turning keys, gripping a pen, pinching small objects. When osteoarthritis develops at this joint, even routine tasks become painful and limiting. Traditional treatments such as sp

Written by Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD — Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician Published: March 2, 2026 | Last Updated: March 2, 2026 Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis is one of the most common and debilitating forms of hand arthritis, affecting millions of people—particularly women over the age of 50. The CMC joint sits at the base of the thumb where it meets the wrist, and it is responsible for the wide range of motion that allows you to grip, pinch, and perfor