Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis

The thumb is an important finger—it’s critical for almost every hand function. When you button a shirt, turn a door knob, or hold a pencil, your thumb is utilized. Although the thumb has a remarkable range of motion, that dexterity comes at a price—an increased risk of osteoarthritis in the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint where the thumb meets the trapezium bone in the wrist.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint’s smooth covering called cartilage begins to wear down. When arthritis occurs in the basal joint of the thumb, patients report painful and “pinching” sensations along with swelling and decreased range of motion in the thumb. Our treatment for basal thumb osteoarthritis in Ogden can range from conservative methods like medication and splints to surgery in severe cases.

Who’s at risk?

A few risk factors have been identified that increase the risk of basal joint arthritis. They include:

• Being female
• Over age 40
• Certain hereditary conditions like malformed joints or joint ligament laxity
• Obesity
• Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis that change the normal function of cartilage
• Injuries to the thumb

When to See a Doctor

Signs and symptoms of basal joint arthritis include:

• Decreased strength and inability to pinch
• Swelling, stiffness, and tenderness in the base of the thumb
• Decreased range of motion

Schedule a visit with Dr. Richards if you experience persistent symptoms above.

Diagnosis and Treatment

As a skilled hand and upper extremity specialist Dr. Richards can diagnose and treat thumb basal joint osteoarthritis with an evaluation in Ogden. During your exam, Dr. Richards will ask about your symptoms and look for noticeable swelling or lumps. Imaging techniques like X-rays can reveal signs of arthritis including bone spurs and loss of joint space.

Treatment options for basal thumb joint osteoarthritis in Ogden include non-surgical methods and surgery. If the condition is in its early stages, Dr. Richards may prescribe heat/ice therapy, pain medication, splinting, and/or injections.

For severe basal thumb joint osteoarthritis in Ogden, surgery consists of removing the joint either by removing a bone or connecting the bones together. There are options for moving one of your tendons to cushion or secure the one if your hand surgeon deems this method helpful. A splint or cast must be worn for several weeks following surgery.