Thumb arthritis (or osteoarthritis) affects the joint at the base of the thumb (the basal joint) and causes wear and tear of the joint cartilage and underlying bone over time. As the cartilage wears away, bone rubs against bone leading to joint damage and more pain. If you don’t get treatment for thumb arthritis, symptoms can get worse over time, affecting your ability to grip things in your hand.
Thumb arthritis is more common in women and usually occurs after age 40.
Causes of Thumb Arthritis
Thumb arthritis or basal joint arthritis is caused by a combination of many factors such as age, weight (obesity), hobbies or jobs that stress the thumb joint, computer work for extended periods of time, diseases affecting the cartilage (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), and previous injuries.
Repetitive use of the carpometacarpal joint between the thumb and the wrist is one of the major causes of thumb arthritis. Over time this use causes wear and tear of cartilage (osteoarthritis) that the body cannot repair quickly enough.
Symptoms of Thumb Arthritis
Thumb arthritis symptoms include thumb pain, loss of strength in the thumb, limited range of motion in the joint, swelling at the base of the thumb, and/or grinding of the thumb.
Since the carpometacarpal joint controls grasping, weakness of the hands and inability to grasp objects is a common symptom of thumb arthritis.
Diagnosing Thumb Arthritis
During your consultation, your hand doctor will ask you about your symptoms, pain patterns, activities that aggravate the condition, and if you have had any prior injuries to your thumb.
Your doctor will also examine your hand, holding the joint firmly while moving the thumb to see if pain or a gritty feeling is present, or if a grinding sound can be heard (crepitus). This exam is done to see if the bones are rubbing directly against each other.
Additionally, x-rays are ordered to check for deterioration of the joint as well as any bone spurs or calcium deposits that may have developed.
Since many people with thumb arthritis also have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, your doctor may check for that as well.
Treatment for Thumb Arthritis
There are both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options available for thumb arthritis.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Thumb arthritis can be treated effectively with nonsurgical treatment in its early stages. These nonsurgical treatments may include:
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Icing the joint for 5 to 15 minutes several times a day.
- Wearing a supportive splint during the day or overnight to limit the movement of your thumb and allow the joint to rest and heal.
Since thumb arthritis is a progressive, degenerative disease, the condition may worsen over time, requiring cortisone injections directly into the joint.
These injections can provide relief for several months; however, they should not be repeated indefinitely.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment is an option if nonsurgical treatment does not alleviate the symptoms of thumb arthritis. Surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, and several different procedures can be used, including minimally invasive procedures. Your hand surgeon will discuss your options for surgery with you and help select the best one for you.
Recovery from Thumb Arthritis Surgery
The recovery period for thumb arthritis surgery usually depends on the type of surgery you have. Generally, though, you can expect to wear a cast for 4 to 8 weeks after thumb arthritis surgery. Your doctor may also recommend a rehabilitation program that involves physical therapy (hand therapy) to help you regain movement and strength in the hand. Again, depending on the type of surgery you have, it may take you several months to return to normal activities.
Thumb arthritis most commonly affects adults 40 years of age and older. While this condition is more common in women, it can also affect men, especially if they do frequent physical work with their hands. Other conditions, such as a genetic predisposition to arthritis, obesity, and fractures or sprains to the hands and fingers, can increase your risk of developing thumb arthritis.
Knowing which physical activities to avoid when experiencing symptoms of a thumb arthritis flare-up can help you better manage it. These activities can include:
Applying pressure to your thumbs, such as using your hands to prop yourself to stand up
Doing push-ups, lifting weights, or other exercises that apply pressure to the hands
Opening jars, cutting vegetables or fruit, cooking and meal prepping
Typing on a laptop or computer for prolonged periods of time
Texting or swiping on your phone for prolonged periods of time
Certain foods have been known to reduce inflammation in the joints, leading to temporary relief when it comes to arthritis symptoms. These foods include:
Fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
Omega-3 fatty acids such as walnuts, eggs, and avocados
Vitamin C-rich foods such as kiwi, bell peppers, and papaya
Garlic
Tart cherries
Tumeric
Brussel sprouts
Cauliflower
Cabbage
If symptoms do not improve and your thumb arthritis remains left untreated, it can progressively develop into a chronic misalignment of the joints. This will appear as a bump that protrudes at the base of the thumb, which may cause frequent pain each time the joint is moved. Untreated arthritis can also lead to the destruction of joint surfaces and the development of bony spurs. If you have a family history of arthritis or if you are already experiencing arthritis in areas of your body other than your thumb, there is an increased chance that, if left untreated, your arthritis symptoms will worsen over time.
Thumb Arthritis Treatment in Portland, Oregon
If you are experiencing any symptoms of thumb arthritis, it may be time to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic hand surgeons at Summit Orthopaedics. To find out more about thumb arthritis treatment or any of our other services, call 503-850-9940 to reach a team member at our main location in Lake Oswego, OR.
