This is not uncommon for females and is not carpal tunnel type. We get it because we are always doing things with our thumbs and forefinger . It hurts! I had shots in both thumb joints 4 months ago...with short term results. I have night time braces, made by the doctor and daytime black style cuffs for comfort. I have a meloxacam rx which gives minor relief. Since it is not muscle related I am not sure rubs will help. At 64 yrs old I really cannot fathom having this without getting some better results. I understand, based on my orthopedic doctor, that surgery is successful. He is not pushing it but I have yet to go back and tell him how the shots worked. Anyone have surgery for this? Any thoughts on home remedies? I am aware of arnica and I think I might get that voltran( spelling?) cream. I will be reading all the other answers for suggestions also. Thanks for any suggestions.
Yes, almost every move is painful....and I love to sew and quilt. I gave up making wire jewelry, use a torch for lamp work glass and gardening will be an issue. Wow! Getting old-er is a bit tough :)
I can tell anyone who reads this that part of the aggravation was probably my sleeping with a closed fist( hand over thumb). I also have a tendency to keep my fist like that when under stress. Seems like I never really knew what to do with my hands...and now I am feeling it.
I can just imagine the pain you are going through any time you use your hands. Once I had something that was called "trigger thumb" where the thumb would lock up.