Does It Suddenly Hurt to Open Jars? Common Causes of Thumb and Wrist Pain

Opening a jar, turning a doorknob, or twisting a lid shouldn’t be a struggle. If those simple movements suddenly cause pain in your thumb or wrist, it’s easy to brush it off as overuse or aging. 

But when the discomfort lingers, or even worsens, it may be your body’s way of signaling an underlying issue.

At Florida Pain Medicine, we see many patients who are surprised by how quickly hand, thumb, or wrist pain can interfere with daily life. Understanding what’s causing that pain is the first step toward relief.

If twisting, gripping, or opening jars has become painful, here are four common conditions that may be responsible, and why it’s important not to ignore them.

1. Tendonitis and overuse injuries

One of the most common causes of thumb and wrist pain is tendonitis. This occurs when the tendons that support movement in your wrist or thumb become irritated or inflamed, commonly from repetitive motion.

Everyday activities such as typing, texting, lifting, or even frequent gripping can strain these tendons over time. 

Pain may start gradually and then worsen when you twist your wrist, grip objects, or apply pressure, like when you’re opening a tight jar. 

Rest may help, but symptoms often return if the underlying strain isn’t addressed.

2. Nerve compression conditions

If you have pain in your wrist and thumb, it can be related to compressed or irritated nerves. 

Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve entrapment can affect grip strength and cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the hand and wrist.

When nerves are compressed, even simple movements can trigger discomfort or weakness. You might notice your grip feels less steady or that pain shoots into your thumb or fingers. 

Over time, untreated nerve compression can worsen, making your everyday tasks increasingly difficult.

3. Arthritis in the wrist or thumb joint

Arthritis is another frequent cause of thumb and wrist pain, especially as we age. Wear-and-tear changes in the joints can lead to stiffness, swelling, and pain during movement.

Thumb arthritis, in particular, often occurs when twisting or pinching motions are required, like turning keys or using utensils. 

Symptoms may be worse in the morning or after extended use, and inflammation can make your joint feel tender or unstable.

4. De Quervain’s tendinosis (thumb tendon overload)

Another common source of thumb pain is De Quervain’s tendinosis, a condition that affects the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. 

When these tendons become thickened or irritated, bending and gripping motions can trigger pain.

This condition is often described as a sharp or aching sensation near the base of the thumb, especially when you pinch or grasp. 

It can result from repetitive thumb use and is common for people who frequently lift or carry objects with the thumb extended. 

The good news is that early treatment can reduce pain and restore function.

Getting help for your thumb and wrist pain

Pain that interferes with your daily activities isn’t something you should simply “push through.” 

If your symptoms don’t improve with rest, or if pain is accompanied by numbness, weakness, swelling, or reduced range of motion, it’s time to seek care. Treating thumb and wrist pain starts with identifying the source. 

At Florida Pain Medicine, we focus on diagnosing whether pain stems from inflamed tendons, irritated nerves, joint degeneration, or even issues originating higher in the neck.

Treatment may include targeted injections to reduce inflammation, nerve-focused therapies to relieve compression, or other interventional approaches designed to address pain at its source. 

Schedule an appointment with a Florida Pain Medicine provider today to find out what’s behind your pain—and take the first step toward regaining comfort and strength in your daily life.