Hand/Thumb Arthritis
Arthritis of the upper extremity is very common. The most commonly affected sites are the small joints of the finger and base of the thumb. Arthritis at the joint at the base of the thumb, or the carpometacarpal (CMC) is also called basal joint arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Arthritis can also develop from inflammatory and/or autoimmune etiologies. The development of osteoarthritis is multifactorial but likely with a large genetic component. Approximately 20% of women and 10% of men over the age of 60 have symptomatic osteoarthritis. General treatment options are below but are often tailored to the specific etiology and/or joint.
Causes and risk factors
Female sex
Age
Prior injury/trauma
Metabolic Syndrome/Obesity
Symptoms
Sharp or burning pain with use
Swelling, stiffness, and limited motion at the affected joint
Lack of strength in grip and pinching activities
Bone spurs/thickening around the affected joint
Diagnosis and treatment
Osteoarthritis is often suspected based on history and examination but can be diagnosed definitively based on plain radiographs (X-ray pictures). Inflammatory/autoimmune arthritis is generally diagnosed and treated by a rheumatologist. Osteoarthritis treatment varies depending on each patient’s goals and symptoms. The following are nonsurgical treatment options:
Activity modification
Massage
Over the counter NSAID’s (ibuprofen or naproxen)
Anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric or ginger
Topical pain relief creams/gels
Occupational/physical therapy
Corticosteroid injections
Prescription anti-inflammatory medications
There are surgical options for most arthritic joints which can vary depending on the specific joint, patient's overall function, goals and treatment expectations. Surgical treatment is considered if and when patients feel there symptoms and/or function warrants more aggressive treatment beyond nonsurgical options.
If you have symptomatic arthritis which is not responding to some of the above nonsurgical options, Dr. Holt would be happy to see you and discuss further treatment options according to your specific symptoms and goals.
Arthritis at the base of the thumb called thumb CMC arthritis or basal joint arthritis is a specific, very common type of arthritis. General treatment is as above. Surgical information specific for thumb CMC arthritis is below.
Thumb Arthritis Surgical Information/Post Operative Instructions
Additional Links/Information:
