Thumb joint pain or osteoarthritis in the thumb – Kinesiology tape

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Of all the fingers, the thumb is used the most. As a result, wear and tear of the thumb base (thumb joint) often occurs. This wear and tear causes osteoarthritis of the thumb base. This is a common disorder, particularly affecting women over the age of 40. Today, the younger generation is also increasingly affected by thumb wear due to frequent smartphone use, resulting in an “app thumb”.The carpometacarpal joint is not very stable; as soon as the ligaments and muscles are overloaded or weakened, the bones (first carpometacarpal and carpal) in the joint no longer glide smoothly and wear and tear can occur. The quality of the cartilage between the joints deteriorates, resulting in all kinds of complaints.

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Anatomic model of the hand

Symptoms of osteoarthritis of the thumb joint

  • Pain in the thumb joint with every movement.
  • A nagging feeling in the joint.
  • Painful thumb ball.
  • Inflammation of the joint.
  • Stiffness of the joint.
  • A palpable lump or bulge.

How to tape osteoarthritis of the thumb?

A therapist can use kinesiology taping as part of a treatment programme to reduce complaints. Beginnings of complaints can be remedied very well. If the osteoarthritis is in an advanced stage, pain reduction with this taping method can bring relief, but a doctor should generally be consulted.

Many hand therapists and physiotherapists use the following tape application for thumb base osteoarthritis and thumb pain:

Instructional video: Arthritis thumb taping

Tape instruction:

  1. Cut 3 I-strips and narrow the base.
  2. Apply the first tape (lime), starting at the thumb nail, to the back of the hand. Bend the thumb slightly and let the tape run towards the wrist and forearm.
  3. The next tape (black) is applied in the same way but over the medial side of the thumb joint.
  4. The third lime coloured tape is applied from the palmar side of the hand over the wrist, towards the inside of the forearm.

More information:

Please note that applications provided on our website are not clinically proven. All mentioned applications are based on extensive evaluation and case studies with licensed physiotherapists and/or other health professionals.

Attention: Mentioning source is mandatory, when using the content on this page.

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