You can have a joint fusion but that means you will not be able to bend that joint anymore. That is really a last resort. I definitely would see a doc now in case you can do something before more damage is done to the joint, maybe a supplement or vitamin.

Not the clicking but my thumb was to the point it would not bend in my right hand and I am right handed. Writing became difficult. Had 3 different steroid injections over the course of 1 1/2 years. It kept coming back. Finally saw a chiropractor. She gave me exercises to do. She suggested using the Handmaster exercise ball which I ordered from Amazon. This has really helped. The downside is that you have to make an effort to remember and do the exercises! It has affected some joints but I also have an autoimmune disease which has caused degenerative arthritis as well.

Have you tried wearing a thumb brace. On really bad days (days when I just can't stand it anymore) I pull out my thumb braces. They really help but are really limiting in what you can do with them on. I think I ordered mine online but may have gotten them from a medical supply pharmacy. They really help if you wear them at night. That gives your joints time to rest with support.

I have arthritis in my thumbs and big toes. Both can get really painful. At times I have to scoop things because I don't have enough strength in my thumbs anymore to pick up heavy things. All my joins make noise when I move them. I think I'm getting old. Ha Ha! Apparently there is a surgery for the thumb joint but I haven't gotten to the point where I want to explore that yet. I have gotten liturature on it. Sounds like it might be painful.