Basal joint arthritis is the result of the wearing away of cartilage in the joint at the base of the thumb. That's why it is also known as thumb arthritis. The basal joint allows your thumb to move around so you can perform small motor tasks.

Is Basal thumb arthritis painful?

The most common symptom of thumb basal joint arthritis is a deep, aching pain at the base of the thumb. The pain is often worsened with activities that involve pinch, including opening jars, turning door knobs or keys, and writing.

What does basal thumb arthritis feel like?

Swelling, stiffness and tenderness at the base of your thumb. Decreased strength when pinching or grasping objects. Decreased range of motion. Enlarged or bony appearance of the joint at the base of your thumb.

What can be done for arthritis in thumb joint?

Treatment

1. Ice the joint for 5 to 15 minutes several times a day.
2. Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
3. Wear a supportive splint to limit the movement of your thumb, and allow the joint to rest and heal.

What causes basal thumb joint pain?

What causes basal joint arthritis? Like all other forms of osteoarthritis, basal thumb arthritis develops when the cartilage between the bones of the joint wears away. In basal joint arthritis, the cartilage degeneration causes the metacarpal bone to slip out of its joint with the wrist.

How do you fix basal arthritis?

While there is no cure for basal joint arthritis, there are simple treatments that effectively relieve the symptoms in many individuals. These treatments, including splints, heat and cold, joint protection techniques, and gentle motion, can all be used independently following instruction by a therapist.

How painful is basal joint arthritis?

The pain can occur in different forms. For some people, it will be a dull, constant ache; in others it might be a sharp pain that only hits when you use the thumb, says Saakshi Khattri, MD, assistant professor of rheumatology and dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York City.

Is thumb arthritis curable?

While there is no cure for arthritis in your thumb, there are various simple treatments that can help relieve symptoms for many people. Talk with a doctor or physical therapist about which treatments might work best for you.

Is thumb arthritis a disability?

Yes. Arthritis can prompt incapacity, as can numerous other mental and physical conditions. If your arthritis confines your daily movements, or activities you may qualify for disability benefits.

Is thumb arthritis common?

It is more common in women, but it can affect men, too. There is a genetic predisposition that makes people more likely to develop thumb arthritis. “Thumb arthritis is unbelievably common, and if we look at the X-rays of people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, 30 to 50 percent of that population can have it,” Dr. Luo says.

How is basal thumb arthritis diagnosed?

X-rays are a good first step in testing for basal thumb arthritis. These tests can ascertain the extent of the wear on the bones, as well as see if any bone spurs have developed because of the friction. A physical examination will also help the doctor determine the extent and the severity of your basal thumb arthritis.

Is heat or cold better for thumb arthritis?

For an acute injury, such as a pulled muscle or injured tendon, the usual recommendation is to start by applying ice to reduce inflammation and dull pain. Once inflammation has gone down, heat can be used to ease stiffness. For a chronic pain condition, such as osteoarthritis, heat seems to work best.

Does thumb arthritis show on xray?

Hand arthritis is typically diagnosed with x-rays.

How do you relieve pain at the base of your thumb?

Treatment

1. Rest: Support the thumb and rest it for as long as possible.
2. Ice: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for about 10 minutes every hour for the first day.
3. Compress: Wear an elastic (ACE) bandage to reduce swelling.
4. Elevate: Keep the hand raised above heart level to reduce swelling and pain.

Is thumb arthritis always worse?

Even though thumb arthritis will advance with time, the symptoms do not always get worse, and in some people the symptoms will decrease significantly. Nonoperative treatment for thumb arthritis can involve: Anti-inflammatory medications (consult your doctor first)

Does arthritis hurt all the time?

Pain is chronic when it lasts three to six months or longer, but arthritis pain can last a lifetime. It may be constant, or it may come and go. Chronic pain can make it hard to perform daily activities like cleaning the house, dressing, or looking after your kids.

Are steroid injections in the thumb painful?

The most common side effect is intense pain and swelling in the joint where the injection was given. This usually gets better after a day or two. You may also get some bruising where the injection was given. This should go away after a few days.

What foods should be avoided if you have osteoarthritis?

Avoid inflammatory foods including sugar, deep-fried foods, saturated fats, full-fat dairy, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and preservatives like MSG. Anti-inflammatory foods can relieve pain from osteoarthritis. These include fruits, vegetables, lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains.

Is heat good for arthritis?

Many arthritis doctors recommend both heat and cold treatments to help reduce inflammation and ease the pain and stiffness that comes with arthritis.

How successful is thumb arthritis surgery?

Pros: Removing the entire trapezium eliminates the possibility of arthritis returning and, according to Dr. Ruch, LRTI has a 96 percent success rate. “Most patients achieve complete pain relief and mobility equal to that of a healthy thumb, with results lasting at least 15 to 20 years,” he says.

Does thumb arthritis come on suddenly?

Pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints are common symptoms for most types of arthritis. Depending on the type of arthritis, symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually over time. Symptoms may come and go, or persist over time.

What is basal thumb surgery?

Basal joint reconstruction surgery, also known as arthroplasty, is a procedure for people with advanced "wear and tear" arthritis in the basal joint of their thumb that has not improved with nonsurgical approaches.

What is a basilar joint?

The joint at the base of the thumb, which allows for the swivel and pivoting motions of the thumb, is referred to as the basal joint or thumb CMC (carpometacarpal) joint. Because of its unique design, it tends to wear out and develop arthritis early in life.

How long does basal thumb surgery take?

It takes about one hour to perform the surgery. You can expect to be at the surgery center for 3-4 hours (so your transportation can plan accordingly).