Epidemiology & Risk Factors

Is Your Thumb Pain Actually Rhizarthrosis?

November 2, 2025
DR HRA

Thumb pain troubles many people, often making everyday tasks harder than they should be. Today, we’re looking at a rare but important condition called rhizarthrosis—a type of thumb arthritis linked to specific jobs requiring repetitive hand movements. What does the science say about this?

Key points:

  • Rhizarthrosis develops due to stress on the thumb joint over time.
  • A study examined women who developed rhizarthrosis from ironing jobs.
  • An early screening test may help people catch the condition sooner.

In this article:

What is rhizarthrosis?

Let’s start with what rhizarthrosis means. It’s a type of thumb arthritis, often caused by repeated stress on the joint at the base of the thumb. Over time, this stress can lead to wear-and-tear on the joint, causing pain and stiffness.

You may be wondering, “Why does this happen?” Imagine using the same joint in your hand all day every day. If it’s under constant pressure, the risk of developing problems goes up.

What did the study find?

Here is where it gets interesting! A study looked at five female ironing workers who developed thumb pain after working in laundries for over ten years. These women were over 50 years old and worked with intense hand movements daily while ironing clothes.

The researchers did several tests to understand what was happening:

  • A clinical examination of their hands.
  • X-rays to look at the thumb joint.
  • Ultrasound tests to get a clearer picture of damage inside the joint.

They found that all five women had developed rhizarthrosis in their right thumbs. The constant ironing work had likely contributed to the problem.

How can you catch it early?

Let us look closer at what the study suggested. The researchers found a test called Finkelstein’s test useful during occupational health check-ups. This simple test involves moving your thumb in a certain way while flexing your wrist to check for pain.

If you’re over 50 and work a job that stresses your hands with similar movements, you might ask your doctor about this test. Catching the condition early can make pain management easier.

FAQ

  • What is rhizarthrosis? It’s arthritis affecting the thumb joint, usually caused by overuse and stress.
  • What symptoms should I look for? Pain and stiffness in the thumb, especially after repetitive tasks.
  • How is it diagnosed? Doctors can use clinical exams, X-rays, ultrasounds, and tests like Finkelstein’s test.
  • Can rhizarthrosis be treated? Although there’s no cure, early detection can help manage symptoms effectively.

Conclusion

Rhizarthrosis might not be a household word, but it’s certainly a condition worth understanding if thumb pain is affecting your daily life. For people in jobs involving repetitive hand stress, it’s important to take note of symptoms early on. Talk to your doctor about tests, especially if you’re over 50 and your job involves constant thumb joint movement.

This site is here to help you make sense of medical research about rhizarthrosis and directly answer your questions about thumb pain. We simplify complex studies so you can understand. Check out more articles for support and answers.

Disclaimer

This article is based on research findings and is for educational purposes. It is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Study citation

Valentino, M.; Rapisarda, V. (2002). Rhizarthrosis of the thumb in ironing workers.