Arthritis of this joint rarely occurs in isolation, and although a part of the wrist, mainly affects the thumb. Symptoms are very similar to those for CMCJ osteoarthritis, with pain worsening after excessive use or force applied to the thumb in closing or opening jars or holding onto a handle tightly.The pain may radiate up the palmar side of the wrist, as a prominent tendon runs right over the joint and may become inflamed and painful. Patients may experience pain with any activity involving resisted wrist flexion.