What is Thumb Arthritis?
Thumb arthritis is also called basal joint arthritis. It might affect the base joint of the thumb. It might cause immobility and weakness of the thumb.
Thumb arthritis might affect the women who are above the age of 40. It might affect thumb and fingers of both the hands.

Symptoms of Thumb Arthritis
The first and foremost symptom of the thumb arthritis is pain. The primary symptoms include:

• Severe pain while pinching the objects
• Reduced flexibility of the thumb
• Swelling and stiffness of the thumb
• Projected appearance of the thumb bone and joint
• Tenderness
• Pain at the bottom of the thumb joint
• Lack of motion of the thumb

How to treat Arthritis of the Thumb?
The arthritis of the thumb might be treated effectively by using a custom made splint. It might support the joint. It might be helpful to keep the joint in proper position. It might relieve pain and improve muscle function.

The arthritis of the thumb might be treated with the help of over-the-counter medicines. Taking pain killers like ibuprofen might help to reduce the pain and discomfort.

Corticosteroid injections are of a great help in some cases. It might reduce pain and inflammation aroused out of thumb arthritis.

Surgical treatment might be preferred sometimes to restore the strength and motion of the thumb joint.

Types of arthritis affect the thumb
The arthritis of the thumb might be a type of osteoarthritis or any other inflammatory arthritis. The thumb might be affected with many kinds of arthritis. They are psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout etc. These types of arthritis might cause excess pain, stiffness and swelling.

Herbal, home and homeopathic remedies are natural treatments used extensively for reducing thumb arthritis symptoms. Natural remedies have no side effects and also heal and/or repair cartilages between the thumb and wrist in a natural way. Discover the most suitable and reasonable remedy for yourself by reading the article below.

Natural treatments are always a preferred solution for arthritis sufferers. Inflammation accompanied with pain and stiffness is the most visible symptom of arthritis. Thumb arthritis can also be reduced with the intake natural herbs, kitchen remedies or homeopathy treatment. Leaving little or no scope for side effects to creep in, these natural remedies have acquired great significance since ages.

Herbal Remedies for Thumb Arthritis

Herbs essential for treating thumb arthritis include the following:

• Turmeric extracts called curcumin acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and works well when taken thrice daily. The amount to be taken should be discussed with your doctor.
• Ginger mixed in a cup of tea can also help in reducing joint inflammations and pain.
• Chinese Skullcap is another herb proven to be effective for curing thumb arthritis symptoms.
• The New Zealand Green-lipped Mussel also contains anti-inflammatory properties that are effective for curing joint problems.
• Extracts from the barks of lobelia and cramp trees can also help treat thumb arthritis symptoms.

Discuss the quantity and frequency of the herbs to be taken with your doctor.

Home Remedies for Thumb Arthritis

Home or kitchen remedies for thumb arthritis can include the following:

• A gentle oil massage with olive oil is reasonable and effective.
• Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet as they contain essential vitamins, minerals and calcium.
• Prepare a juice with potato extracts and water. Drink it every morning.
• Apply or massage the thumb with vinegar.
• Prepare massage oil with garlic, sprague and mustard oil. Apply it around the areas of the thumb.
• Massage the area with camphor and mustard oil.
• Mix Epsom salt in your bathing water.
• Drink fresh water every morning in empty stomach. This clears the bowel movements and helps in arthritis treatment.
• A paraffin wax treatment also works effectively for thumb arthritis symptoms.
• A hot water bath, a heat wrap or heating pads are other measures to reduce thumb pain.

Homeopathy Medicines for Thumb Arthritis

Homeopathy is specific to the needs of a person and is therefore preferred to other prescribed medications. It is also an inexpensive treatment and doesn’t need to be taken too often.

After analyzing your medical history and present condition, the doctor will finally arrive on a homeopathic solution for you. So, treat the visible symptoms of thumb arthritis now by trying any of the above natural cures.

Exercise and massage therapy are alternative treatments for dealing with thumb arthritis. Researchers are of the opinion that simple exercises like opening and closing the fist or pushing the thumb against a wall or hard base can help reduce thumb pain. Explore how exercise and massage can provide more flexibility and movement to the basal joint located between the thumb and wrist.

Doctors usually recommend three types of exercises for dealing with arthritis perils of aching joints. Stretching or flexibility exercises, range of motion and strengthening exercises are the common exercises most arthritis sufferers depend on. Physical and occupational therapy however, seem to play key role in comforting the symptoms of thumb arthritis.

Thumb arthritis is a result of wearing cartilages around the basal or carpometacarpal joint. This joint lies mid way between the base of the thumb and at the beginning of the wrist. Researchers are of the opinion that the symptoms of thumb arthritis can be checked with exercise and topical massage.

Exercises for Thumb Arthritis

Experts emphasize that exercises are the best way to maximize the health of a thumb. The types of exercises recommended for thumb arthritis include the following:

• Range of Motion Exercises: Thumb arthritis usually causes the thumb to stiffen and thereby limits function and activity. Range of motion exercise enable further and comfortable movement. Your doctor can demonstrate the required techniques you would need to follow each day.
• Strengthening Exercises: These exercises help in keeping the thumb steady and secure from shock and stress.
• Flexibility or Stretching Exercises: Stretch exercises for the thumb as demonstrated by your doctor can also help your thumb to move comfortably without much pain.

Among many suggested exercises the thumb push and finger squeezing exercises are considered effective for releasing thumb pain, stiffness and swelling. Coping with thumb arthritis pain can also include self care measures. That would mean modifying household equipments, carrying paper bags or applying hot or cold compressors.

Massage Therapy for Thumb Arthritis

Hot oil massage also helps in reducing thumb arthritis pain and swelling. A massage therapy is a technique of stroking, rubbing or applying pressure on the soft tissues. Though long term effects of massage techniques is yet to be discovered they can help in reducing discomfort temporarily.

Massage Techniques for Thumb Arthritis

The different types or techniques of massage for thumb arthritis include the following:

• Reflexology: This technique is targeted to particular areas of pain like the fingers or thumb.
• Acupressure or The Shiatsu Massage: This technique also targets specific areas like the thumb. The technique is essentially meant to initiate the flow of energy.
• The Swedish Massage: This technique involves the gentle stroking of the muscles that can help reduce the tensions around the thumb.
• Deep Tissue Massage: This technique also focuses on applying pressure through gentle strokes that reduces the symptoms of thumb arthritis.
• Myofascial Release: This technique is also employed to reduce pain around the connective tissues and muscles.
• The Trigger Pain Therapy: This technique induces comfort with a gentle and concentrated finger point pressure.

The key to an effective and comforting experience is finding the right massage therapist. Inquire into the credentials and qualifications of the therapist for better results and safety. Both exercise and massage can help you get rid of thumb pain. Consult a doctor to include the right techniques in your daily routine.

Thumb arthritis is a disease that affects the basal joint located between the thumb and wrist. Researchers claim that it results from factors that can be genetically related or on account of an injury to the joint. Identify the symptoms of thumb arthritis and consult a doctor for the best solution with the help of this article below.

Arthritis is a disease or condition defined by the breakdown of cartilages that induces pain and swelling. Osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis, targets the thumb. Thumb arthritis occurs at the joint where the thumb ends and where the wrist begins. This joint is called the “carpometacarpal joint” or the “basal joint”.

The thumb lends grip to anything that is held or lifted with the hand. So it needs to be treated when affected severely with a cartilage breakdown. Researchers claim that “thumb arthritis” is more common among women than in men. It usually occurs when you attain forty years of age and beyond.

What is Thumb Arthritis?

Thumb arthritis is a condition where the cartilages at the ends of the bone begin to deteriorate at the basal joint. The bones which are cushioned by the cartilages start brushing against it each other and cause damage to the thumb. Though the immune system repairs tissues naturally, it maybe inadequate. This results in additional bone growths on the existing bone which are commonly referred to as bone spurs. The repairing process also causes much discomfort and pain to the thumb.

Causes of Thumb Arthritis:

Researchers have sited a combination of factors that can help determine the underlying causes of thumb arthritis. They include the following:

• Overweight
• Aging
• Genetic factors
• Excess stress on the joint
• Prior injury to the joint
• Weak muscles
• The estrogen and relaxin hormones present in the joint ligaments

Symptoms of Thumb Arthritis:

Common symptoms of thumb arthritis include the following:

• Pain and swelling at the base of the thumb
• A crushing sensation while moving the thumb
• Limited movement of the thumb
• Making grip difficult
• Pain while turning keys, opening doorknobs, etc

Diagnosis for Thumb Arthritis:

The doctor uses a variety of methods to confirm thumb arthritis. Initially, the physical examination would involve a thorough look at the symptoms and the swellings or lumps on the joint. The doctor will then carry out some basic movements to check for discomfort or pain.

X-ray imaging techniques will be the next determining factor for thumb arthritis. Your doctor can recommend the following techniques for you:

• X-rays
• Bone scans
• Computerized tomography scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging scans
• Arthrography

Treatment for Thumb Arthritis:

Researchers are of the opinion that treatment for thumb arthritis depends upon the stage and severity of the condition. Theses are the available treatments for thumb arthritis:

• Self care measures that would include a hot or cold compressor.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by the doctor.
• A supportive splint to heal and relieve the joint from stress, pain and swelling.
• A cortisone injection on the basal joint can help reduce the pain and swelling.
• Surgery can be the last option for a sever condition of thumb arthritis.

The doctor will recommend any of the above treatments for relieving you from thumb arthritis.

When to consult a doctor?

Consult a doctor if you suffer from the slightest of pain on your thumb for more than a week or two. Thumb pain can arise because of other reasons like a pinching nerve or snapping tendons in the fingers. No matter what the underlying cause maybe discuss the practicality of a solution to heal your thumb arthritis. Also report the side effects suffered by the use of arthritis medications.

Do not cause any delay in treating your thumb arthritis. Identify the suitability of a treatment and heal the joint between your thumb and wrist for better movement and gripping capacity.