If you have a noticeable ache or pain at the base of your thumb that is aggravated by the weather, you could have osteoarthritis of the thumb.
This condition, also known as carpo-metacarpal joint arthritis, is caused when the gliding surface (cartilage) of a joint becomes worn and degraded resulting in a painful and stiff joint. It’s common; generally appearing when people are in their 50s, and is much more prevalent in women.
“The aching sensation and pain often increase when doing something as simple as grasping with the hand or pinching, and when severe, it can be present even while the hand is at rest,” said Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Pamela Jones, who is board certified in orthopedic surgery as well as board certified in the sub specialty of hand and upper extremity surgery.
Other symptoms include weakness and deformity of the thumb. Thumb arthritis can cause severe hand pain, swelling, decreased strength and decreased range of motion, making it difficult to do simple household tasks, like opening jars.
“Osteoarthritis is primarily caused from wear and tear, but contributing factors include previous injuries, repetitive movements, especially related to work, loose joints and the aging process,” said Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Richard Choi, who specializes in hand surgery.
Your doctor will ask about symptoms, look for swelling or lumps on joints, and may press on the base of the thumb while rotating the joint to see if it produces a grinding sound or pain, which points to worn cartilage and bones rubbing against each other. X-rays can reveal bone spurs, worn cartilage and loss of joint space – all indications of thumb arthritis.
“Initial treatment is usually non-surgical with options that include a splint, usually worn at night to help decrease pain, encourage proper positioning and rest the joint,” said Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Crawford Campbell, who is board certified in orthopedic surgery as well as hand and upper extremity surgery. “We also recommend physical therapy, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injection into the joint before we recommend surgery.”
If non-surgical techniques are not effective, there are surgical procedures such as joint replacement and joint fusion. For joint replacement, called arthroplasty, the arthritic joint is replaced or resurfaced. Sometimes the trapezium bone is removed and tendons are rerouted to act as a spacer or cushion between the arthritic thumb bone and the rest of the wrist bones. Joint fusion, called arthrodesis, is usually reserved for younger patients who use their hands for heavy labor. Thumb bones are fused to increase strength but joint mobility is lost.
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment visit Steward DoctorFinder™ or call 1-800-488-5959.
To find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit Steward DoctorFinder™.
