About Thumb Arthritis
Basal joint arthritis, also known as thumb arthritis, is caused by the breakdown and degeneration of the cartilage in the joint at the base of the thumb. There are several risk factors that can increase a person's chances of developing it.
Non-modifiable risk factors for basal joint arthritis cannot be changed or controlled. These include:
- Age: Basal joint arthritis is more common in older adults, especially those over the age of 50.
- Gender: People assigned female at birth have a higher risk of developing basal joint arthritis, particularly after age 50.
Modifiable risk factors for basal joint arthritis can be influenced or changed. These include:
- Joint injury or overuse: Injury to the thumb joint or repetitive motions and stress on the thumb joint can increase the risk of developing basal joint arthritis.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts extra strain on the thumb joint, increasing the risk of arthritis.
- Other joint involvement: Having arthritis in other joints, such as the knees or hips, increases the risk of developing basal joint arthritis.
- Family history: Having a family history of basal joint arthritis may increase a person's risk.
- Previous joint surgery: People who have had previous surgery on their thumb joint may be at a higher risk for developing basal joint arthritis.
It's important to note that having one or more risk factors does not guarantee that a person will develop basal joint arthritis. However, understanding these risk factors can help individuals make informed decisions about their lifestyle and take steps to reduce their risk.
The most common early symptoms of basal joint arthritis include:
- Pain: People with basal joint arthritis may experience pain in their thumb joint. This pain can be present all the time or only when they touch the affected area.
- Swelling: The area around the thumb joint may feel warm and look red. The tissue around the joint may also become inflamed, and it may feel as though there is fluid in the swollen area.
- Stiffness: Stiffness in the thumb joint is another common symptom of basal joint arthritis. This stiffness can cause a loss of range of motion, making it difficult to move the thumb freely.
As basal joint arthritis progresses or becomes more severe, additional symptoms may occur. These symptoms can include:
- Limited range of movement: The stiffness in the thumb joint can lead to a limited range of movement. This means that it becomes harder to bend, straighten, or rotate the thumb.
- Weakness: As basal joint arthritis progresses, people may experience weakness in their thumb joint. This weakness can make it difficult to perform tasks that require grip strength or fine motor skills.
- Difficulty gripping objects: The pain, stiffness, and weakness in the thumb joint can make it challenging to grip objects firmly. This can affect daily activities such as writing, opening jars, or holding utensils.
- Thumb deformity: In some cases, long-term basal joint arthritis can cause a deformity in the thumb joint. This can result in a visible change in the shape or alignment of the thumb.
- Numbness or tingling: As basal joint arthritis progresses, people may experience numbness or tingling sensations in their thumb or fingers.
To diagnose basal joint arthritis, doctors commonly perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history and physical examination: The doctor reviews the person's medical history, including any underlying conditions or previous injuries. A physical exam helps assess the joint in terms of appearance, range of motion, and signs of inflammation.
- Imaging tests: X-rays are commonly used to evaluate joint damage and bone abnormalities associated with basal joint arthritis. These images can show changes in the joint space, bone spurs, or cartilage loss.
- Joint fluid analysis: If there is joint inflammation, the doctor may perform a joint aspiration to collect fluid for analysis. This procedure helps rule out other conditions and evaluate for infection or inflammation.
- Blood tests: While blood tests are not always necessary for diagnosing basal joint arthritis, they can help assess underlying conditions that may contribute to the arthritis, such as inflammatory markers or autoimmune diseases.
To determine the severity of basal joint arthritis, additional examinations, tests, and procedures may be performed:
- Advanced imaging studies: In some cases, more detailed imaging studies like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scans may be ordered to get a better view of the joint structures and assess the extent of damage.
- Grip strength test: This test measures the strength of a person's grip and can provide insight into how much function has been affected by basal joint arthritis.
- Range of motion assessment: The doctor may evaluate the range of motion in the affected joint to determine how much mobility has been lost due to arthritis.
- Pain assessment scales: Various pain assessment scales may be used to quantify and track the severity of pain experienced by the individual.
Remember that diagnosing and determining the severity of basal joint arthritis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. They will consider multiple factors, including symptoms, physical examination findings, imaging results, and additional tests if necessary.
The goals of treatment for basal joint arthritis are to manage pain, improve joint function, and enhance the person's quality of life. Here are the various types of treatments recommended and how they work to achieve these goals:
- Medication types:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected joint. They work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can help alleviate pain associated with basal joint arthritis.
- Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, healthcare professionals may administer corticosteroid injections directly into the joint to relieve inflammation and pain.
- Therapies:
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy involves exercises and techniques to improve joint mobility, strengthen muscles around the joint, and reduce pain. It can also include modalities like heat or cold therapy to alleviate symptoms.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists can provide splints or braces to support the basal joint and help with daily activities. They may also suggest modifications to activities to reduce stress on the joint.
- Therapeutic procedures:
- Surgery: In severe cases where other treatments have not been effective, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options include joint fusion or joint replacement, where the damaged joint is either fused together or replaced with an artificial joint.
- Health behavior changes:
- Rest and activity modification: Taking breaks and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms can help prevent further damage to the joint.
- Using assistive devices: Utilizing assistive devices such as ergonomic tools or adaptive aids can reduce stress on the basal joint during daily tasks.
- Applying heat or cold packs: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
It's important to note that treatment plans for basal joint arthritis may vary depending on the individual's specific condition and needs. Consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each person.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.