What is Basal Joint Arthritis (Arthritis of the Thumb)?
Arthritis can affect various parts of the body, causing major disruptions to the everyday lives of millions of people. One area that can be affected by arthritis is the base of the thumb, where the metacarpal bone meets the wrist bone. When cartilage at the ends of these bones wears away over time, the bones begin to rub against each other. This friction leads to damage and a wide variety of painful symptoms. Thumb arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis in the hand. Proper diagnosis and treatment of thumb arthritis is key to a patient’s ability to do the things they love. At OrthoGeorgia, our dedicated hand specialists work with patients facing thumb arthritis in Central GA. As one of the first subspecialty hand surgery practices in the southeastern U.S., we are proud to continuously provide patients with the hand and upper extremity care they deserve. Learn more below about how we help patients facing basal joint arthritis.
What are the Symptoms of Thumb Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis of the thumb involves the deterioration of the joint cartilage over time, which means that it typically occurs in patients over the age of 40. It is also more common in women than men. As with other types of arthritis, the most prevalent symptom of thumb arthritis is pain. Thumb arthritis pain occurs at the base of the thumb when you try to pinch or grip something. This includes activities like turning a key, opening a door, or snapping your fingers. Other symptoms of arthritis in the thumb joint include:
Swelling and tenderness at the base of the thumb
Aching in the thumb with use
Decreased grip strength
Decreased range of motion
Development of a bony bump at the base of the thumb
Deformity of the other thumb joints
How is Thumb Arthritis Diagnosed?
When you visit OrthoGeorgia with symptoms of thumb arthritis, your hand specialist will start by asking you about your pain. They will ask about your medical history and symptoms, along with what makes your pain better or worse. From there, they will conduct a physical exam of the thumb. A common method of checking for thumb arthritis involves moving the thumb while holding the joint firmly in place. If you experience pain and a grinding or crunching sensation during this test, it indicates that the bones are rubbing against each other and arthritis is most likely present. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, can also reveal indicators of thumb arthritis. Symptoms seen on an X-ray include bone spurs, areas of cartilage loss, and reduced joint space. Digital X-rays are conveniently available at all OrthoGeorgia clinic locations in Central GA.
Thumb Arthritis Treatment in Central GA
Thumb arthritis treatment generally begins with nonsurgical techniques. Your hand specialist will walk you through your treatment options based on the severity of your condition and the symptoms you are experiencing. Whether your treatment plan involves conservative methods or surgery, your care team at OrthoGA will ensure that you feel confident and comfortable with your treatment.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Thumb Joint Arthritis
In the early stages of thumb joint arthritis, nonsurgical treatment methods can provide relief from symptoms. Techniques to reduce inflammation and pain in the joint include icing the thumb area several times a day and taking anti-inflammatory medications when needed. Your doctor will also recommend that you wear a brace to limit the thumb’s movement and give the joint time to rest. For longer-term relief, steroid injections can be used. These long-acting corticosteroids help to reduce pain and inflammation in the thumb joint. Since osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, you may reach a point where nonsurgical treatment techniques are no longer helpful. If your pain continues to worsen and is not relieved by these treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Surgery for Thumb Arthritis
Surgery for thumb joint arthritis is considered once nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective in managing pain. There are several different surgical techniques that can be used to address arthritis in the thumb. Your surgeon at OrthoGA will walk you through your options and help determine the best type of surgery for you. This decision depends on factors like the level of pain you are experiencing and how your symptoms have progressed over time. Some surgical procedures, like trapeziectomy, involve removal of the bone at the thumb base. Often the joint is stabilized with a tendon or special suture. Occasionally other thumb joints require surgery.
Surgery for thumb joint arthritis is usually performed on an outpatient basis. You will need to wear a cast or splint around the thumb (and most likely the wrist as well) for several weeks in order to allow for proper healing. Your surgeon may also recommend hand therapy, which helps patients regain hand strength and movement post-surgery.
Other Hand and Upper Extremity Conditions We Treat at OrthoGeorgia
Not being able to move the hand, wrist, or arm without pain can have a major impact on a person’s daily life. Whether your activities involve intense sports, relaxing hobbies or just activities of daily living, you deserve to live your daily life free of pain and discomfort. At OrthoGeorgia, our hand specialists provide a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to restore optimal function and use of the hand and upper extremities. We’re proud to be leaders in the hand surgery field. Our hand and upper extremity specialties in Central GA include:
Macon
