Arthritis In The Thumb - Causes, Diagnosis And Treatments

The thumb is a very important part of our hand. The thumb has a basal joint, also known as the carpometacarpal joint. It joins up the metacarpal or first bone of our thumb and the wrist or carpal bone. This joint is under the fleshy part of the finger very near the wrist. The thumb arthritis or what is also known as basal joint arthritis occurs when the aforementioned joint develops osteoarthritis.

Caused by Too Much Stress

Osteoarthritis can be developed when our thumb suffers from an unusual or too much stress. Our thumb is not that strong to offset the force of our other four fingers altogether. It will always be prone to normal wear and tear due to the normal use of the hands. Calculations reveal that a 1 lb. pinch between our index finger and thumb can produce 6 - 9 lbs. of pressure to the basal joint. This being the case, an utmost and constant pressure of the joint can really lead to thumb arthritis.

Performing Ordinary Tasks

Thumb arthritis can decrease the strength of our thumb; it can lead to swelling and can cause unbearable pain in the hand thus making it hard to accomplish simple tasks such as opening bottles or doorknobs, crocheting, turning a key, grasping, holding a cup and golfing. If you have a history of injuries and fractures in the basal joint, this can increase your chances of having thumb arthritis in the future.

Usually, the arthritis in our thumb occurs after the age of 40. This arthritis is four times more common among women than men. Oftentimes, thumb arthritis has unknown causes. One thing is for sure, thumb arthritis is not always related to finger-joints arthritis and anyone can suffer from it even if they don't have arthritis in other joints.

Treatments

There are several treatments to counter thumb arthritis. The treatment will all depend on the stage of the illness and the symptoms. For those mild to moderate symptoms of swelling and pain, the remedy can be self-care measures, education, medication, splinting and rest. An example of a self-care measure is applying ice for 5-15 minutes on the most tender and swollen area.

Aspirin is the standard anti-inflammatory over the years but there are also over-the-counter NSAID (non-steroidal inflammatory medications) such as naprosyn, ibuprofen and ketoprofen which can relieve thumb arthritis. It will always be safe to ask the pharmacists about the side effects of these medicines.

Splints

Numerous splints designed to support the joints are also helpful. Be sure to use splints or braces that can support both the thumb and wrist. There are those which cannot support the thumb and are thus not very effective.

Education is also important. You should know how to protect the damaged joints and how to lessen the symptoms. You must be aware of certain arthritic processes to spare you from continuous thumb pains.

Most people suffering from mild symptoms of thumb arthritis get better with simple medications for a limited period of time; there are those who find temporary relief (about two months) by having cortisone shots. If all your initial treatments are not successful, it will be the best time to consult your doctor.

Diagnosis

The doctor will try to accurately determine if your symptoms are attributable to thumb arthritis. Certain tests are performed to check the smoothness of cartilages or loosening of the joints. Normally, X-rays of the various positions of your joints will be taken to help the doctor identify the severity of your thumb arthritis. In the most severe cases, surgery is advised.

Is Surgery The Answer?

According to medical statistics, surgery helps 4 out of 5 people with severe thumb arthritis. However, 1 out of 5 patients will develop new problems such as tenderness of scar and numbness on the back of the hand after the surgery.

Generally, surgery is helpful to relieve the pain associated with thumb arthritis, but usually, there are 2 problems which are not improved after the surgery. The appearance of the base thumb may change; the thumb which is drawn into the palm after surgery can not be brought out back. Another usual problem is that pinch strength cannot be improved adequately after the operation.

If you are suffering from thumb pain, chances are, you are suffering from thumb arthritis. You don't have to bear the pain and live with it for the rest of your life. There are several treatments to relieve the dysfunction and pain but you need to be aware of their effects. Always consult your physician and get help for your thumb arthritis today!