Doctor rec for painful arthritis at base of thumb
Yes, there are local hand specialists, I took my mom to one a few years ago, I think he was in Livingston, good results. Can't think of his name, sorry, maybe google hand specialists in Livingston. area.
Suzanne used this doctor with good results , but that was years ago.
https://beta.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-carl-quillen-x84b7
Edited to say..Mmmm maybe not
Bernie always used thick pens because of this. He also used a soft ball that he squeezed with his fingers (awkward description but you get the idea) to keep them more supple. Believe it or not, I'm still sorting through his stuff. PM me if you are interested in "ball" (shaped like an apple) and/or pens. They are yours if you want them. They could help while you are searching for a doctor. Bernie did not see a specific doctor for the arthritis so I have no recommendation in that department.
LL, Quillen is semi-retired -- I actually saw him but his hours are very limited. And Joan, thanks! I have a squeeze-ball (or whatever it's called) 
I was really suffering for a few months, and started wearing something like this at work whenever it flared up, and slept with it every night. It really provided a lot of relief and, for now, it is not bothering me any more.
https://amzn.com/B0103JCXH0
I got this contraption from my hand specialist which is easing the arthritic pain; my specialist is great, but he's not easily accessible to you. Please do tell us what your doctor says. Mine told me that he can become more aggressive with treatment if need be, i.e., pills, but I haven't taken him up on it. I'm doing less gardening, and that really helps my hand but not the garden.
I have the same brace as @Debby and it does help...but lately it's been pretty bad during the day. I'm left handed and can't easily do simple things like open doors and sign my name. Still looking for a doctor. Will try acupuncture as well as that really helped my knees.
I saw this doctor last month for symptoms my primary believed were RA related - they weren't. Nevertheless, Dr. Lehmann provided me with outstanding care and actually sat and talked to me for about 30 minutes about my symptom and pain issues. I looked him up prior to my appointment and he's top rated.
Robert Aaron Lehmann, MD, FACR; 75 E Northfield Rd, Livingston, NJ; (973) 436-1489
my husband saw this doctor at one point for a hand issue. (i can't even remember what the issue was though.)
http://thecenterforortho.com/physicians_dr_Zornitzer
are there hand specialists for this? My arthritis is getting worse and I'm having trouble holding a pen at this point. TIA