6 PT exercises that help manage basal joint arthritis pain

If you’re dealing with pain at the base of your thumb, even simple tasks like opening a jar or turning a key can feel frustrating. Basal joint arthritis — also called thumb arthritis or thumb carpometacarpal arthritis — is a common condition that can affect grip strength, mobility and overall hand function.

The good news is that targeted physical therapy exercises may help reduce strain on the joint, improve movement and support better day-to-day function. 

We’ll talk about what the condition is before we guide you through physical therapy exercises that can help manage basal joint arthritis pain. Then we’ll talk about when it’s time to book a physical therapy appointment at KC Rehab.

What is basal joint arthritis?

Basal joint arthritis occurs at the base of the thumb, where the thumb meets the wrist. This joint allows for a wide range of motion, which also makes it more prone to wear and tear over time. It’s the second most common type of hand arthritis, usually affecting people over the age of 40.

People with basal joint arthritis may notice:

• Pain at the base of the thumb

• Weakness when gripping or pinching

• Swelling or tenderness

• Difficulty with everyday tasks like writing or opening containers

These symptoms can vary in intensity and may come and go. If pain persists or begins to limit your daily activities, it may be helpful to seek an evaluation from a physical therapist.

6 PT exercises for basal joint arthritis pain

These exercises are commonly used in physical therapy to support thumb function. They should feel manageable — not painful — when completed correctly. A therapist can show you how to safely and effectively perform them.

1. Thumb opposition stretch 

This exercise helps improve thumb mobility and coordination.

• Start with your hand open

• Slowly touch the tip of your thumb to each fingertip

• Move one finger at a time

• Repeat 5–10 times

• Thumb abduction lift 

This targets the muscles that move your thumb away from your palm.

• Place your hand flat on a table

• Gently lift your thumb away from your palm

• Hold for 3–5 seconds

• Lower slowly and repeat 8–10 times

  
  

• Isometric thumb press 

This exercise builds strength without excessive joint movement.

• Place your thumb against the side of your index finger

• Press gently without allowing movement

• Hold for 5 seconds

• Repeat 8–10 times

• Rubber band thumb extension 

Using a rubber band in this exercise adds light resistance to improve strength.

• Wrap a rubber band around your fingers and thumb

• Slowly move your thumb away from your fingers

• Return to the starting position with control

• Repeat 10–12 times

• Thumb flexion stretch

This exercise helps maintain flexibility in the joint.

• Gently bend your thumb across your palm

• Use your other hand to apply light pressure if needed

• Hold for 10–15 seconds

• Repeat 3–5 times

• Grip strengthening with soft ball

This supports overall hand strength, which can reduce strain on the thumb. 

• Hold a soft ball or putty in one hand

• Gently squeeze and hold for 3–5 seconds

• Relax and repeat 10 times

Tips for exercising safely to reduce the risk of worsening symptoms

When working through these hand exercises at home, keep the following in mind:

• Start slowly and progress gradually

• Avoid pushing through sharp or worsening pain

• Use gentle, controlled movements

• Take breaks if your thumb feels fatigued

If an exercise consistently increases or exacerbates your symptoms, it may not be the right fit for you at that time.

When to seek help for thumb pain 

If you need further treatment for your basal joint arthritis beyond these at-home exercises, it may be helpful to seek care if you notice:

• Pain that doesn’t improve with rest

• Difficulty gripping or holding objects

• Increasing stiffness or swelling

• Symptoms interfering with daily tasks

A physical therapist can assess your thumb, identify contributing factors to your symptoms and create a treatment plan to support your goals.

KC Rehab can help you safely perform PT exercises for basal joint arthritis

It can be frustrating when basal joint arthritis interferes with your daily routines. But targeted exercises can help to alleviate the symptoms and improve your hand’s overall function.

If you’re not sure which exercises will work the best for you, or you want to consider other physical therapy treatments, such as joint mobilization, KC Rehab can help. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan that’s tailored to the severity of your arthritis as well as your overall wellness goals.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.

FAQs about basal joint arthritis and PT exercises

• What exercises are best for basal joint arthritis? 

Exercises that focus on thumb mobility, stability and gentle strengthening — like opposition stretches and isometric presses — are often used to support joint function.

• Should I exercise if my thumb hurts? 

Mild discomfort may be okay, but sharp or worsening pain is a sign to stop. If you’re unsure, a physical therapist can guide you on what’s appropriate. 

• How often should I do these exercises? 

Many people benefit from doing these exercises a few times per week, but frequency can vary depending on your symptoms and tolerance. Your physical therapist will instruct you on the exact frequency.

• Can exercises reverse basal joint arthritis? 

Exercises can’t reverse arthritis, but they may help manage symptoms, improve function and reduce stress on the joint. 

• How long does it take to notice improvement? 

Some people notice gradual changes over a few weeks, but results can vary based on the severity of symptoms and consistency with exercises. 

• What causes basal joint arthritis? 

Basal joint arthritis is often associated with wear and tear over time, joint instability or repetitive use of the thumb. 

• Is basal joint arthritis the same as general hand arthritis?

No, it’s not. Basal joint arthritis specifically affects the joint at the base of the thumb, while other types of hand arthritis can affect different joints. 

• Can I still use my hand normally with this condition?

Many people continue to use their hands for daily activities, though they may need to modify movements or use supportive strategies to reduce strain. 

• Do I need imaging to diagnose basal joint arthritis? 

Not always. A healthcare provider or physical therapist can often identify signs through an evaluation, though imaging may be used in some cases. 

• When should I see a physical therapist for thumb pain?

If your symptoms persist, worsen or begin to limit your daily activities, it may be helpful to seek an evaluation for guidance and support.