[Pain around the first ray of the hand: differential diagnoses and treatment]

Pain around the first ray of the hand, particularly in the thumb area, is a frequent clinical problem that can have various causes. This article explores the most important differential diagnoses, including thumb carpometacarpal (CMC-I) osteoarthritis (rhizarthrosis), de Quervain's stenosing tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and Wartenberg's syndrome. A detailed medical history, targeted clinical examination and if necessary the use of modern imaging techniques are crucial for making the diagnosis. The therapeutic approaches range from conservative measures to surgical interventions, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the disease. This article provides an overview of current diagnostic and treatment strategies.