Brief Answer: This sound like arthritis of your thumb Detailed Answer: There are a number of diagnosis that might explain your symptoms. In order of likelihood 1. Trapeziometacarpal OA - this is arthritis at the base of your thumb. This is a common area to get arthritis. A diagnosis can be made by Xrays of your thumb. It can be helped with anti-inflammatory medication and a soft thumb splint or wrap. A cortisone shot into the joint although painful can also be helpful. Ultimately surgery can be required. The commonest operation is to remove the trapezium bone all together - a trapezectomy. This is a good operation for the problem. The patient is usually in a cast for 6 weeks after the surgery and it takes 3-4 months for the symptoms to completely improve. 2. You could have carpal tunnel syndrome - this is pinching of the median nerve which supplies your thumb. This generates pain, weakness and numbness in your thumb and also your index finger. A diagnosis can be made on physical examination and / or nerve conduction studies. Tendon gliding excerises, cortisone injections and surgical decompression are all options for treatment. 3. Nerve compression in you neck can also can such symptoms although it is usually associated with shooting pains down your arm and some stiffness in your neck. Diagnosis can be made on an MRI scan. Physiotherapy, pain medication and CT guided nerve root injections can be of benefit. Occasionally surgery is reccommended. Best wishes

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