Just wanted to bring this back
I started with a silver (plated) classical flute, and when I read this thread first time round I did not understand the problem
I then moved on to a relatively light keyless wooden flute and now a keyed wooden one. And now I am getting problems, with aching hands and thumb. So I was wondering if anyone had solved the problem, and if it is to do with the differences in the types of flute. My keyed wooden flute is wider than the silver one and much heavier, it also lacks the B flat key where my thumb would sit comfortably on the silver one. So I seem to struggle to find a spot where my thumb will be comfortable and still reach round the flute body with my fingers to reach the keys.

Achy Thumb in Sheffield