<s>[INST] Hello. I generally feel that my hands are slightly swollen and recently, my left thumb (top joint) won t bend without a lot of pain and it pops when returning to its prior position. The base of the thumb joint is also so but can move it about (I type for my job in an office). [/INST] Dear patient thank you for your question. Here are the differential diagnosis for your condition1) Rheumatoid arthritis: It commonly presents with hand swelling and affects joints. Get a complete blood work done with RA factor and anti CCCP. An associated Carpal tunnel syn Chat Doctor.  Splitting of the sheath works wonders3) Osteoarthritis: If u notice nodules on the thumb joint then this diagnosis is as good as confirmed will need an x-ray in all three conditions. For the pain and swelling I suggest Ibuprofen 800 mg twice daily. Please do discuss the above-mentioned with your doctor. I hope this helped </s>