What could be the cause of thumb joint pain?

There are several factors that can cause thumb joint pain or basal joint arthritis, such as joint ligament laxity, fracture and injury, according to University of Washington Medicine. This type of arthritis is more common in women over 40 years old, reports UConn Health.

Possible symptoms of basal joint arthritis include pain, swelling or stiffness at the base of the thumb, weakness or difficulty in grasping things, and enlargement of the joint, states Mayo Clinic. Treatment options include non-surgical care, such as medications, topical agents, splinting and corticosteroid injections. Surgical procedures are also a possibility, including thumb arthrodesis, osteotomy and arthroplasty, according to UW Medicine.