Thumb arthritis

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Coping and support

By Mayo Clinic staff

Adaptive equipment can help make daily tasks easier and less painful. For instance, buy a jar opener for opening lids in the kitchen. Consider replacing traditional door handles in your home with levers, which don't require the use of your thumb. Equipment is available for turning keys and modifying kitchen and household tools, as well.

Making smart choices also plays a part in coping with this condition. For example:

  • Instead of carrying a clutch-style purse, use one with a shoulder or arm strap.
  • Instead of grasping handle-type grocery bags, use paper bags that can be held on your hip and with your arm.

Talk to your doctor about other equipment and ideas that may be helpful for you.

DS00703

March 8, 2008

© 1998-2010 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger