Brief Answer:
Most probably Paronychia

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
To recapitulate: Female/62 Thumb is throbbing like a pulse - very painful - wants to know what it is and what can be done ...
As per the short history you have provided this looks to be a condition called Paronychia. This is inflammation of the fingers/thumb.
The cause may not be known always but it is usually a trivial injury that allows the entry of bacteria leading to infection and inflammation.
Hand is usually in dependent position hence the edema and resultant pain is most as also due to stretched skin without much potential space causing throbbing like a heart pulse.

Hence the management is:
First of all, keep the hand above heart level, preferably in lying down position; this itself will be reducing the edema and pain.
You need an additional treatment with an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory medicine and a painkiller. These need prescription hence please consult your Doctor.
Please give additional information for me to assist you better:
Since when has this started?
Please upload clear and focused photos, helps a lot.
Any other medical problems diabetes or heart related issues or medications?

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Brief Answer:
You are most welcome

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation.

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