Posted on June 30, 2009 in Latest News
Thumb arthritis or basal joint arthritis occurs when the joint of your wrist and the base of your thumb that means basal or carp metacarpal joint, develops osteoarthritis. It becomes difficult to perform household tasks if you have thumb arthritis. Infected portion swells and pains which makes things difficult.
Causes Of Thumb Arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis is the main cause of thumb arthritis.
- Over weight is another reason for this problem.
- Growing age can be the other factor.
- Joint injury or stress is also responsible for thumb injury.
- Thumb arthritis can be hereditary too.
- Muscle weakness and cumulative load can also lead to thumb arthritis.
Structure Of Basal Joint:
- Basal joint is made up of a small bone at the base of the thumb, it is called Trapezium.
- The first bone of thumb is Metacarpal.
- And finally, wrist’s scaphotrapezio-trapezoidal joint.
- The basal joint provides wide range of motion and allows you to perform various activities of grasping, pinching etc.
- In a normal basal joint, cartilage covers the end bones; allowing a smooth movement, gliding over each other.
- When thumb arthritis occurs the cartilage cover deteriorates and the smooth surface gets roughened; as the result bones rub against each other creating friction and joint damage.
Treatment Of Thumb Arthritis:
In early stages, self treatment is helpful like:
- Activity improvements
- Use of splints to support your thumb
- Medication like acetaminophen can be used to reduce pain.
- Physical therapy is of great help in both reducing the pain and curing the disease as well.
In later stages, when disease acquires serious shape and no treatment is left then surgeries are performed. Doctor at such times suggests:
- Joint fusion
- Ostomy
- Trapeziectomy
- Joint replacement
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