For fast and effective pain relief, apply an ice pack to the joint at the base of your thumb for no more than 10 minutes at a time to minimize swelling and relieve pain. Use a cloth or other material in between the ice pack and your skin to prevent burns. For extra relief, gently massage your thumb with the ice pack.

Even though your wrist is not in pain, a wrist splint or wrist brace that provides thumb support relieves pain by isolating the area from further movement. This is a great remedy after you have already treated the area for pain, as it prevents your arthritis pain from flaring up again. Although it is likely to limit your daily activities, a brace or splint is especially useful at night while you are sleeping.

A simple massage is a quick fix, although it does not attack the root of the problem. Use the thumb from your opposite hand to massage the affected joint firmly at the base of your thumb. Use certain essential oils, such as peppermint oil, to increase blood flow when massaging the area.

If you do not like the idea of applying an ice pack to your thumb, consider the soothing warmth of a heat pack. Heat improves blood flow to provide relief and healing to the thumb joint. Use a cloth between the pack and your skin, and apply heat for as long as 20 minutes at a time and as often as needed.