What are some symptoms of thumb joint pain?

Symptoms of thumb arthritis include pain or loss of strength when gripping or pinching, swelling and tenderness at the base of the thumb, and an aching discomfort after prolonged use, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Other signs are an enlarged appearance and limited motion of the thumb.

Thumb arthritis is a degenerative arthritis that affects the basal joint of the thumb and is most common in women over the age of 40, states the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Several factors can cause thumb arthritis, including joint ligament laxity, deformed joints, prior fracture or injury to the thumb, and repetitive load to the joint, as reported by the University of Washington.