What does arthritis on a thumb look 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.
Can CMC arthritis be cured?
While there is no cure for arthritis in your thumb, there are various simple treatments that can help relieve symptoms for many people. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about which treatments might work best for you.
Where is CMC joint pain?
If you are experiencing pain at the base of your thumb where the joint meets the wrist, you may be suffering from carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis. As we age, the cartilage in our joints starts to wear down, and the bones can start to rub together. This can cause pain and mobility issues in the wrist area.
Can arthritis in the thumb be reversed?
Treating Thumb Arthritis Arthritis cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed and controlled. Treatment may include: Thumb arthritis splint or brace. Cortisone to relieve pain and inflammation.
Why is thumb arthritis so painful?
In people with thumb arthritis, the cartilage wears away. Without this barrier between them, the two bones rub together. As the bones rub together, they create friction and damage the joint, causing pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.
How do you loosen a stiff thumb?
Thumb Extension Gently move your thumb away from your fingers as far as you can. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and release. Repeat 10 to 15 times with both hands. You can do this exercise two to three times a week, but rest your hands for 48 hours in between sessions.
How do I stop my thumb joint from hurting?
Treatment
- Ice the joint for 5 to 15 minutes several times a day.
- Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Wear a supportive splint to limit the movement of your thumb, and allow the joint to rest and heal.
What is severe CMC arthrosis?
CMC Thumb Arthritis, also known as Basal Joint Arthritis occurs when the cushion-like cartilage wears out, causing the bones in the CMC Joint to grind together. Thumb Arthritis can cause severe pain, swelling, and decreased strength…
What is CMC arthroplasty surgery?
Carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty reconstructs the thumb joint to address pain and inflammation, usually in a patient with arthritis. Older adults typically need this surgery as the wear and tear on the joint over the course of their lives eventually limits mobility and causes pain.
What is arthrosis of the first CMC joint?
Arthrodesis of the CMC1 joint is a surgical procedure in which the trapezium bone and the metacarpal bone of the thumb are secured together. Because the joint is fixed, and therefore can not be moved, the complaints of the patient are mainly gone. During the surgery the two bones will be fixated using K-wires. The use of plates and screws has also been described.
What is CMC arthroplasty?
Thumb CMC arthroplasty is a treatment option for thumb arthritis, a type of osteoarthritis found at the carpometacarpal ( CMC joint located at the base of the thumb. The CMC joint gives the thumb a wide range of motion – up, down, and across the palm, as well the ability to pinch. A joint is comprised of two bones,…