What causes sharp pain at the base of the thumbs?
Patient: I’ve been experiencing sharp stabbing pain in the base of my thumbs for the last 3-4 weeks. My thumbs both seem extremely weak, esp when gripping or picking something up. Over the last few days I’ve moticed aching from my elbows down to my wrists as well. Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.The pain in thumbs accompained by weakness might be related to the thumb joint or to the tendons and ligaments surrounding the joint problems.The thumb joint is commonly overused and this often leads to arthritis of the joint, or an inflammation of the tendons around the joint, that causes pain. The pain might also be related to carpal tunnel syndrome, that is a very common cause of sharp stabbing pain in the base of the thumbs , weakness and numbness, and occurs when your median nerve gets compressed at the wrist .In my opinion you should consult a doctor for a physical examination, to put the right diagnosis.Meanwhile you can use antinflammatory drug for pain and inflammation relief, Naproxen 500 mg daily.Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.