Thumb Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Recovery
What is Thumb Arthritis?
Thumb arthritis, also known as basal joint arthritis or CMC joint arthritis, affects the joint at the base of the thumb where it meets the wrist. This joint allows you to move your thumb in multiple directions. Over time, the cartilage that cushions this joint can wear down, causing pain and inflammation. Thumb arthritis is more common in women over 40 but can affect anyone. The experts at Orthopedic Institute in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, can provide treatment options to relieve your pain.
Symptoms: What Does Thumb Arthritis Feel Like?
- Aching pain: The most common symptom is aching pain at the base of the thumb, especially after using your hand. Tasks like opening a bottle or turning a key can become difficult.
- Weakness and stiffness: You might notice a loss of strength, making it hard to pinch or grip things. Your thumb may also feel stiff, especially in the morning.
- Swelling or bumps: Swelling around the base of the thumb is common. Over time, a bony bump may develop as the joint becomes deformed.
- Loss of motion: Simple tasks like writing, pulling on socks, or buttoning shirts may become harder as your thumb loses mobility.
Causes of Thumb Arthritis
Several factors can increase your risk of developing thumb arthritis, especially as you age. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Aging: Over time, the cartilage that cushions the joints naturally wears down, leading to arthritis.
- Previous injuries: If you have injured your thumb or hand, especially with fractures or dislocations, arthritis can develop in the affected joint.
- Repetitive use: Activities that require repetitive pinching or gripping, such as knitting or using hand tools, can speed up wear and tear on the joint.
- Inflammatory diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation in the thumb joint, contributing to arthritis.
Orthopedic Institute in Sioux Falls specializes in treating arthritis, and our experts are here to help. Our doctors can evaluate your symptoms and suggest the best course of action.
Evaluation: How Is Thumb Arthritis Diagnosed?
If you are experiencing symptoms, an orthopedic doctor at Orthopedic Institute will start with a physical exam. They may press on your thumb joint to check for tenderness, swelling, or misalignment. Your doctor may also ask you to move your thumb in various directions to assess your range of motion. X-rays are often used to confirm the diagnosis and to see how much the cartilage has worn down.
Treatment Options for Thumb Arthritis
Treatments for thumb arthritis vary based on how severe your symptoms are. Your orthopedic specialist in Sioux Falls will work with you to find the best treatment plan.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
Splinting: Wearing a splint can limit thumb movement and reduce pain and swelling. It is one of the first treatments recommended.
Activity changes: Avoiding activities that strain your thumb can provide relief. Tools like bottle openers or button hooks can help you complete daily tasks more easily.
Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or topical creams can reduce inflammation and pain.
Physical therapy: Strengthening exercises can stabilize the thumb joint, while treatments like ice or paraffin wax can help control pain.
Cortisone injections: These injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from pain.
Feeling anxious about an injection?
Getting the care you need should not be stressful. Orthopedic Institute now offers nitrous oxide to help you relax during your procedure. Ask your provider today if nitrous oxide could be right for you.
Surgical Options:
If non-surgical treatments do not work, surgery may be necessary. The most common surgery for thumb arthritis involves removing the damaged bone at the base of the thumb and stabilizing the area with a tendon graft. This helps relieve pain and restores thumb function.
At Orthopedic Institute, our specialists have extensive experience performing thumb surgeries and can guide you through the process.
Recovery: What to Expect
Thumb arthritis surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day. Your hand will be in a splint to keep the thumb stable while it heals. After 1-2 weeks, your stitches will be removed, and you will start using a removable splint. Physical therapy will help you regain strength and mobility, and most patients return to normal activities within a few months. The team at Orthopedic Institute in Sioux Falls will support you every step of the way to ensure a smooth recovery.
Feeling anxious about an injection?
Getting the care you need should not be stressful. Orthopedic Institute now offers nitrous oxide to help you relax during your procedure. Ask your provider today if nitrous oxide could be right for you.