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Symptom guide

Thumb pain

Find out more about what to do about thumb pain, when to get help and the common causes.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, contact routes and treatment arrangements may differ in other countries.

Thumb pain

Causes

Thumb pain

Self-care

Common causes of thumb pain include a sprain, carpel tunnel syndrome, arthritis or a broken thumb.

You can ease thumb pain by taking painkillers, using a splint for support and reducing activities that put pressure on the thumb.

How you can ease thumb pain yourself

If you see a GP about pain in your thumb, they'll usually suggest you try these things:

Do

  • rest your thumb when you can

  • put an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) in a towel and place it on your thumb for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours

  • use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed) – ibuprofen is not suitable for everyone, such as older people who have a higher chance of getting stomach ulcers and kidney problems

  • take off any jewellery if your thumb looks swollen

  • stop or cut down activities that are causing the pain – for example, typing, using vibrating tools for work, or playing an instrument

  • wear a splint to support your thumb and ease pain, especially at night – you can get these at most pharmacies and supermarkets

  • consider taping something like a lollipop stick to your thumb – this will keep it in place until you can get a splint

  • consider using gadgets or tools to make difficult or painful tasks easier – for example, to open jars or chop vegetables

  • keep your thumb moving with gentle exercises

Don't

  • do not use heat packs or have hot baths for a few days after an injury or if your thumb is swollen – this can make it worse

  • do not lift heavy objects or grip anything too tightly

A pharmacist can help with thumb pain

You can ask a pharmacist about:

  • the best painkiller to take
  • the best splint to support your thumb and ease pain – flexible rubber splints are available if you still need to use your thumb
  • if you need to see a GP

See a GP if:

  • the pain in your thumb is stopping you doing normal activities
  • the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
  • the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
  • you have any tingling or loss of sensation in your hand
  • you have diabetes – hand problems can be more serious if you have diabetes

Go to an urgent treatment centre or A&E if you:

  • have severe pain
  • feel faint, dizzy or sick from the pain
  • heard a snap, grinding or popping noise at the time of the injury
  • are not able to move your thumb or hold things
  • have a thumb that's changed shape or colour
  • have lost the feeling in part or all of your hand

These might be signs of a broken thumb.

Find your nearest A&E What we mean by severe pain
Severe pain:
  • always there and so bad it's hard to think or talk
  • you cannot sleep
  • it's very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
Moderate pain:
  • always there
  • makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
  • you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:
  • comes and goes
  • is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities

Common causes of thumb pain

Thumb pain is often caused by bruising or injuring your thumb.

Your symptoms might also give you an idea of what's causing the pain in your thumb.

Content supplied by the NHS website

Content supplied by the NHS website, refreshed 19 August 2026. View the original NHS article ↗

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