Thumb Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of thumb arthritis?

Thumb arthritis, also known as basal joint arthritis, typically causes a variety of symptoms in the affected joint at the base of the thumb. Common symptoms include:

• Thumb Pain: Pain at the base of the thumb, especially during activities that involve gripping, pinching, or using the thumb to apply force, such as opening jars or turning door knobs.
• Swelling and Tenderness: The joint may be swollen, tender to the touch, and warm, especially during flare-ups.
• Stiffness: Stiffness in the thumb, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity, can make it difficult to move the thumb freely.
• Decreased Range of Motion: Limited movement or difficulty extending the thumb away from the palm, which can interfere with daily tasks.
• Weakness: Reduced grip strength and difficulty holding or pinching objects.
• Bony Bumps: Development of bony lumps or nodules around the thumb joint due to the formation of osteophytes (bone spurs).
• Joint Deformity: As arthritis progresses, the thumb may appear to be out of alignment or develop a “zigzag” deformity, where the base of the thumb is pushed outwards and the tip is drawn inwards.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.

What are the causes of thumb arthritis?

Thumb arthritis, or basal joint arthritis, is primarily caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joint at the base of the thumb (the carpometacarpal joint). Several factors contribute to the development of thumb arthritis:

1. Age: As people age, cartilage naturally wears down, making thumb arthritis more common in older adults.
2. Wear and Tear: Repeated use of the thumb over time, especially in activities that involve pinching or gripping, can cause gradual cartilage damage.
3. Genetics: A family history of arthritis increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
4. Joint Injuries: Previous injuries or trauma to the thumb joint, such as fractures or dislocations, can lead to arthritis later in life.
5. Sex: Thumb arthritis is more common in women, possibly due to differences in joint structure or hormonal factors.
6. Occupational and Lifestyle Factors: Jobs or activities that require repetitive thumb movements, such as knitting, manual labor, or playing certain musical instruments, can contribute to the wear and tear of the joint.
7. Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or obesity can increase the risk of developing thumb arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis, in particular, can accelerate joint degeneration.
8. Joint Structure and Alignment: Some people are born with joint structures that are more prone to developing arthritis, such as loose or unstable joints.

These factors contribute to the breakdown of cartilage, leading to bone-on-bone contact, inflammation, and the typical symptoms of thumb arthritis.

What is the treatment for thumb arthritis?

Treatment for thumb arthritis depends on the severity of the condition and can range from non-invasive methods to surgical intervention. The primary goals are to reduce pain, improve joint function, and enhance quality of life. Common treatment options include:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain, using ergonomic tools, or modifying techniques can help minimize stress on the thumb joint.
• Pain Relief Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Splints or Braces: Wearing a splint or brace can support the thumb, reduce movement, and relieve pain. Splints are especially helpful during activities that typically strain the thumb joint.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises can improve joint stability and flexibility, while also reducing pain. A therapist can guide you through exercises to strengthen the muscles around the thumb joint.
• Corticosteroid Injections: For more severe pain, a doctor may inject corticosteroids directly into the joint to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
• Topical Medications: Creams or gels containing anti-inflammatory ingredients can be applied to the thumb joint for localized pain relief.

In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical options might be considered:

• Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis): This procedure fuses the bones in the affected joint, eliminating pain but sacrificing joint flexibility.
• Trapeziectomy: The removal of the trapezium bone at the base of the thumb is a common procedure for advanced arthritis, often followed by tendon reconstruction.
• Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): The damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one, preserving movement while reducing pain.

The appropriate treatment approach is determined based on the severity of symptoms, the patient’s lifestyle, and their overall health.