Diseases & Conditions

Get a grip: How to manage thumb arthritis

No longer able to open a jar without thumb pain? Arthritis may be to blame.

By , Staff Wrter
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Cropped image showing the hands of a man attempting to open a jar.

Our thumbs are a marvel, allowing us to effortlessly grip and grasp items. In fact, about 40% of hand function relies on the thumb. “When anything happens to our thumbs, it can really impair our ability to function,” says Christine Caiati, a certified hand therapist and occupational therapist with Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation.

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About the Author

photo of Lynne Christensen

Lynne Christensen, Staff Wrter

Lynne Christensen is a staff writer for Harvard Health Publishing, contributing to Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Heart Letter, Harvard Women’s Health Watch, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch. She has also authored Harvard Health Publishing special reports on a variety of … See Full Bio
View all posts by Lynne Christensen

About the Reviewer

photo of Christine Caiati, MS, OTR, OT/L, CHT

Christine Caiati, MS, OTR, OT/L, CHT, Contributor

Christine Caiati is a licensed occupational therapist and Certified Hand Therapist at Spaulding Outpatient Rehabilitation in Gloucester and Salem, MA. She earned her master of science in occupational therapy at the Boston School of Occupational Therapy … See Full Bio
View all posts by Christine Caiati, MS, OTR, OT/L, CHT
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