Thumb base (CMC) arthritis
Your thumb base hurts when you pinch, open jars, or turn keys.
Who it fits
People this profile usually fits
- Pain and weakness at the thumb base
- Pinch tasks reproduce pain
- Often gradual onset, often after age 40
What recovery often looks like
Phases and themes
- Joint protection: larger handles, two-handed lifting, splint if helpful.
- Low-load isometrics for thenar stability.
- Avoid forceful pinch with the joint collapsed.
How the plan adapts
Defaults and safety rails for this profile
- Prefers low-load isometrics over heavy pinch.
- Adds adaptive equipment and joint protection education.
- Holds strength when CMC pain spikes.
Flares, workload & warnings
How HandTherapy.app adapts logic for this profile
- Workload: joint-protection cues appear when pain is elevated on intake.
Use Flare-up mode after a rough session and Safety for daily readiness pacing.
Sources
Cited educational references
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