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Orthopedic Care Specialists |
Thumb Arthritis: An Overview
Symptoms of Thumb ArthritisThese symptoms may vary depending on the severity of you condition, and how often you use your hands in work and recreation. Pain in the thumb (carpometacarpal) joint is typically the first and most common symptom. Other symptoms of thumb arthritis include:
Diagnosing Thumb ArthritisOrthopedic Care Specialists will use a variety of methods to diagnose thumb arthritis:
Non-Surgical TreatmentsNon-surgical treatment techniques are always considered before surgery of the affected joint. At Orthopedic Care Specialists, treatment focuses on:
Activity Modification:Reducing the activity may be necessary to help control the sypmptoms.Physical / Occupational Therapy:Therapy plays a critical role in non-operative treatment with a goal of teaching you how to control symptoms and maintain health of your thumb.Range of motion and stretching exercises are prescribed to improve thumb motion. Strengthening exercises for the arm and hand will help steady the hand and protect the thumb joint from shock and stress. Splinting:A brace or splint may be prescribed to support the thumb to help reduce pain, encourage proper position, help prevent deformity from getting worse, and give the joint a rest.Anti-Inflammatory Medications:Your doctor may recommend and anti-inflammatory medication to decrease the inflamation and releive the pain in your thumb.Cortisol Injection:Your doctor may recommend injecting a long-acting croticosteriod into the joint. Corticosteroid injections can offer some pain relief and reduce inflammation, but are only a temporary solution as frequent injections can cause further joint damage.Surgery to Relieve Thumb ArthritisIf non-surgical treatment options don't relieve your pain, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention.Surgical Options Include:CMC (Carpometacarpal) Joint Arthrodesis (Fusion):Surgeons permanently fuse bones in the joint to increase stability and reduce pain.Artificial Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty):Artificial joints (prostheses) are available for the CMC joint. Surgeons remove part or all of the joint and insert a prosthesis to fill in the gap created when the arthritic surfaces of the two bones that make up the CMC joint are removed.Excision Arthroplasty:The purpose of excision arthroplasty is to remove the arthritic joint surfaces of the CMC joint and replace them with a cushion material that will keep the bones seperated. Most surgeons use a piece of tendon that has been rolled up and placed into the space created by removing the bone surfaces. During the healing phase after surgery, this tendon turns into scar tissue that forms a flexible connection between the bones.Post-Surgical RehabilitationAfter surgery your hand is placed into a cast or splint for up to six weeks. Once the cast is removed you may work with a phyical / occupational therapist to help control your pain as well as regain hand strength and movement. Although recovery is slow, you should be able to resume your normal activities within six months of surgery. |
"Thumb arthritis," also known as Basal Joint Arthritis, is a condition in which the carpometacarpal joint develops osteoarthritis. Thumb arthritis is often debilitating and painful, impacting quality of life by affecting simple activities that patients may take for granted – writing, typing, or unlocking a door. Thumb arthritis symptoms include pain, swelling, decreased strength as well as decreased range of motion in the hand.