What kind of arthritis is in the thumb?
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative arthritis, is a process that occurs with aging and describes the deterioration of the joint cartilage. Thumb arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis in the hand; the most prevalent hand arthritis involves the last joint in each finger. Thumb arthritis is also known as basal joint arthritis.
What to do if you have arthritis in your thumb?
Treatment for thumb arthritis starts conservatively with the patient wearing a soft brace. If that doesn’t work, injections at the base of the palm may work. And if there still isn’t relief, surgery is an option. What causes thumb arthritis? Joints are connections between two or more bones.
How are X-rays used to diagnose thumb arthritis?
X-rays can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options are based on the severity of the symptoms. There is no convincing evidence to support the use of any medications or supplements to prevent the progression of thumb arthritis. X-rays show that basal joint arthritis will generally get worse with time.
What causes arthritis in the thumb and CMC joint?
Diseases that change the normal structure and function of cartilage, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Although osteoarthritis is the most common cause of thumb arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the CMC joint, usually to a lesser extent than other joints of the hand. Activities and jobs that put high stress on the thumb joint.
What to do if you have arthritis in the thumb?
Trapeziectomy: This involves removing one of the bones in the thumb joint and reconstructing the surrounding ligaments and tendons. Joint replacement: A third option is a joint replacement, in which the affected joint is removed and replaced with a prosthetic joint.
Why do I have pain in my Thumb?
As this joint becomes worn, often due to age, it can lead to a painful condition called thumb arthritis (also known as CMC arthritis or basal joint arthritis). Arthritis refers to inflammation in a joint, causing the pain, stiffness, and swelling that makes it so difficult to perform even simple tasks.
When does cartilage wear away in the thumb?
Thumb arthritis. Overview. Thumb arthritis Thumb arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint wears away. Thumb arthritis is common with aging and occurs when cartilage wears away from the ends of the bones that form the joint at the base of your thumb — also known as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.