What is basal thumb joint arthritis?

Basal joint arthritis is the result of the wearing away of cartilage in the joint at the base of the thumb. That's why it is also known as thumb arthritis. The basal joint allows your thumb to move around so you can perform small motor tasks.

What does basal thumb arthritis feel like?

Swelling, stiffness and tenderness at the base of your thumb. Decreased strength when pinching or grasping objects. Decreased range of motion. Enlarged or bony appearance of the joint at the base of your thumb.

Can basal joint arthritis be cured?

While there is no cure for basal joint arthritis, there are simple treatments that effectively relieve the symptoms in many individuals. These treatments, including splints, heat and cold, joint protection techniques, and gentle motion, can all be used independently following instruction by a therapist.

What is basilar thumb arthritis?

Basal thumb arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis affecting the base of the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint. This joint consists of the articulation of a wrist bone called the trapezium with the first metacarpal bone, which forms the base of the thumb.

How do you treat basal thumb pain?

OTC pain medications are the first-line treatment for easing the pain of basal joint arthritis, but there are other options too. During activities that involve a lot of thumb movement, patients can wear a spica splint, which goes around the wrist and thumb to keep the joint stable.

Where does basal joint arthritis hurt?

You're most likely to feel it at the base of your thumb as you try to grip, pinch, or clasp something between the thumb and index fingers. You might also feel a pain when you try to apply mild force, such as when you twist a key in a lock, turn a door handle, or snap your fingers.

Can you reverse thumb arthritis?

While there is no cure for arthritis in your thumb, there are various simple treatments that can help relieve symptoms for many people. Talk with a doctor or physical therapist about which treatments might work best for you.

Is basal thumb surgery painful?

You will generally have no pain, and the numbing medication usually lasts about 8 or more hours, so you will leave the surgery center with no pain.

What can be done for arthritis in thumb joint?

Treatment

1. Ice the joint for 5 to 15 minutes several times a day.
2. Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
3. Wear a supportive splint to limit the movement of your thumb, and allow the joint to rest and heal.

What is basal thumb pain?

The most common symptom of thumb basal joint arthritis is a deep, aching pain at the base of the thumb. The pain is often worsened with activities that involve pinch, including opening jars, turning door knobs or keys, and writing.

How successful is thumb joint surgery?

Pros: Removing the entire trapezium eliminates the possibility of arthritis returning and, according to Dr. Ruch, LRTI has a 96 percent success rate. “Most patients achieve complete pain relief and mobility equal to that of a healthy thumb, with results lasting at least 15 to 20 years,” he says.

Is heat or cold better for thumb arthritis?

For an acute injury, such as a pulled muscle or injured tendon, the usual recommendation is to start by applying ice to reduce inflammation and dull pain. Once inflammation has gone down, heat can be used to ease stiffness. For a chronic pain condition, such as osteoarthritis, heat seems to work best.

Is thumb arthritis common?

It is more common in women, but it can affect men, too. There is a genetic predisposition that makes people more likely to develop thumb arthritis. “Thumb arthritis is unbelievably common, and if we look at the X-rays of people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, 30 to 50 percent of that population can have it,” Dr. Luo says.

Why is thumb arthritis so painful?

The cartilage cushions the two bones, preventing any friction during movement. In people with thumb arthritis, the cartilage wears away. Without this barrier between them, the two bones rub together. As the bones rub together, they create friction and damage the joint, causing pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.

How do you know if you have arthritis in your thumb?

Pain at the base of the thumb on the palm side may be the most obvious sign, but it is far from the only one. Look out for these additional signs if you think you may have thumb arthritis: Pain or weakness with a grasping, twisting or pinching motion. Swelling and tenderness at the base of the thumb.

How successful is basal joint surgery?

Results. A very common procedure with long-lasting results, basal joint surgery removes the arthritis and is very effective in eliminating the pain. After the reconstruction, patients are again able to do many of the activities that they were unable to do because of the arthritis.

How long does basal thumb surgery take?

It takes about one hour to perform the surgery. You can expect to be at the surgery center for 3-4 hours (so your transportation can plan accordingly).

Do you need a cast after thumb surgery?

The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and you will go home the same day. After surgery, your thumb will be placed in a cast for three to four weeks, followed by a plastic splint for four to six weeks. Typically, it takes between six and eight weeks to regain full movement in your thumb.

Does exercise help thumb arthritis?

Gently exercising your fingers and thumbs with a hand workout can improve their range of motion and decrease arthritis symptoms. It's one of the best ways to maintain function and independence.

How can I strengthen my thumb joint?

Pinch Strengthener

1. Pinch a soft foam ball or some putty between the tips of your fingers and your thumb.
2. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.
3. Repeat 10 to 15 times on both hands. Do this exercise two to three times a week, but rest your hands for 48 hours in between sessions. Don't do this exercise if your thumb joint is damaged.

Is heat good for arthritis?

Many arthritis doctors recommend both heat and cold treatments to help reduce inflammation and ease the pain and stiffness that comes with arthritis.

Is thumb arthritis always worse?

Even though thumb arthritis will advance with time, the symptoms do not always get worse, and in some people the symptoms will decrease significantly. Nonoperative treatment for thumb arthritis can involve: Anti-inflammatory medications (consult your doctor first)

Which is better for arthritis Tylenol or ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is more effective than acetaminophen for treating inflammation and chronic pain conditions. Ibuprofen is FDA-approved to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis whereas acetaminophen may be used off-label for these conditions.

Why does my thumb pop when I bend it?

Trigger finger or trigger thumb is a condition that causes your fingers or thumb get stuck in a bent position. Those with trigger finger or trigger thumb may have stiffness when bending the finger(s) or hear snapping and popping when moving the finger(s).