Basal joint arthritis, or thumb arthritis, is often seen as an age-related disease.

It mainly affects women aged 50 and over.

However, this condition can also arise earlier, sometimes as early as the thirties, in active adults.

Its early appearance may come as a surprise, but it is not rare. A better understanding of the causes and warning signs means you can react in good time and adapt your daily routine before the discomfort sets in for good.

To fully understand what this condition is, it is useful to go back to the basics about basal joint arthritis and what happens.

Why can basal joint arthritis appear at a young age?

In young adults, several factors can favour the appearance of this form of arthritis, sometimes before the age of 40:

  • Repeated mechanical factors: certain jobs or hobbies place intense pressure on the base of the thumb, as is the case for hairdressers, dressmakers, musicians, craftsmen or even top-level athletes. Repetitive movements accelerate cartilage wear.

  • History of trauma: a poorly treated fracture or sprain can destabilise the trapeziometacarpal joint and cause it to deteriorate more rapidly.

  • Genetic factors: a family predisposition to arthritis may play a role, particularly if other family members already have issues with their joints.

  • Joint hypermobility: excessive mobility in the thumb weakens the joint in the long term.

  • Morphological abnormalities: particularities in the shape of the trapezium or first metacarpal bone (dysplasia) can make the joint more vulnerable.

These factors are detailed on the ‘Risk factors for basal joint arthritis’ page.

What are the warning signs?

In a young person, the first symptoms may be played down or mistaken for simple joint fatigue.

However, there are certain signs that should prompt you to seek medical advice:

  • pain at the base of the thumb, especially when pinching or pressing

  • discomfort when turning a key, opening a jar or writing for a long time

  • stiffness in the morning or at the end of the day

  • loss of strength in the hand

  • a small bump or deformity visible at the root of the thumb

These symptoms are similar to those observed later in life. When they occur early, they require appropriate treatment.

You can find a full presentation of the first symptoms of basal joint arthritis.

When discomfort takes hold in an active life

Basal joint arthritis in young adults can have a significant impact, particularly if the dominant hand is affected.

It can have an impact on:

  • work, particularly manual or repetitive jobs

  • leisure activities (sport, music, DIY, etc.)

  • daily life, with discomfort in simple gestures.

This discrepancy between the patient’s age and the nature of the condition can also be a source of incomprehension and frustration.

This is why early diagnosis and appropriate support are important.

In young adults, the aim is twofold: to relieve pain while preserving mobility and quality of life.

Therapeutic approaches are broadly the same as for older patients, but adjusted to the patient’s age, level of activity and expectations:

  • Night splints or functional thumb braces: to stabilise the joint and reduce pain.
  • Targeted physiotherapy and home exercises: to maintain range of movement and strengthen muscles.
  • Injections (corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid): in the event of painful flare-ups.
  • Adapting everyday activities: technical aids and simple adaptations can ease the strain on the thumb.

In some cases, particularly when the discomfort becomes disabling despite well-managed treatment, surgery may be considered. A thumb joint replacement can offer a lasting solution, even in young patients.

Remember:

Being young does not rule out being affected by basal joint arthritis.

Although it is more common after the age of 50, it does occur in active adults.

Knowing how to recognise the early signs and benefit from appropriate treatment means you can act early… and prevent the situation from getting worse.

Further information: