I had that popping and eventually pain about 20 years ago, from my Osteoarthritis. The Thumb Orthopedist said I didn't need surgery, it was a slipping joint, and just to wear a special thumb splint every night to bed, to hold it in the proper position. During the day if you need it. I'm still wearing it only at night & never needed surgery! Go on Amazon and enter in the search bar: "Comfort Cool Thumb CMC Restriction Splint." Not that expensive. Hope it works for you!