Thumb Arthritis

Activities which rely on the thumb, such as pinching, grasping or gripping, may produce hand pain at the base of the thumb, particularly in an arthritic joint. Degenerative thumb arthritis, or basal joint arthritis, is the deterioration of cartilage from the ends of the bones that form the joint at the base of your thumb. Without any cushioning, the unprotected bones moving in the joint create friction and ultimately, damage the joint. This could be the result of a genetic or trauma-induced predisposition in developing this condition. 

Symptoms of thumb arthritis are typically characterized by pain, swelling and stiffness at the base of the thumb, weakness, decreasing joint mobility, as well as an enlarged joint due to bone spurs. Based on the severity of the symptoms, non-surgical treatment for thumb arthritis can involve rest, reduced activity, bracing/splinting, ergonomic adjustments, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as steroid injections. Should conservative treatments prove unsuccessful, reconstructive surgery is the next option.