Arthritis of the Thumb: Recognizing Symptoms, Understanding Causes, and Exploring Treatment Options
Thumb arthritis, a common form of osteoarthritis (OA), affects a significant number of individuals as they age. According to the Arthritis Foundation, around half of all females and one-quarter of all males will experience symptoms of thumb arthritis by the time they are 85 years old.
The joint at the base of the thumb is the site of arthritis in the hand. Age, injury, and a family history of arthritis are some of the risk factors associated with the development of thumb arthritis. As the cartilage wears away due to wear and tear or injury, the bones rub together, causing damage to the joint.
Treatment options for thumb arthritis can be categorised into nonsurgical and surgical approaches, depending on the severity of joint damage and the level of pain or dysfunction experienced.
Nonsurgical treatments include icing the joint, anti-inflammatory medications, supportive splints, steroid injections, and activity modification. These methods are typically recommended for early-stage arthritis and symptom management before more invasive procedures are considered.
Surgical options include trapeziectomy, trapeziectomy with tendon sling, joint fusion (arthrodesis), total joint replacement, and thumb CMC (carpometacarpal) arthroplasty. The choice among these surgical options depends on patient factors, surgeon preference, and specific joint conditions.
Early diagnosis and treatment initiation can help reduce pain and limit progression of stiffness in thumb arthritis. If nonsurgical approaches fail or arthritis progresses, surgery may be necessary to relieve bone-on-bone arthritis pain, restore thumb function, and improve quality of life.
In addition to medical treatments, wearing thumb and wrist supports and braces can help support the thumb joints. Maintaining a lower body weight and avoiding repetitive stress on the joints can also help lessen a person's risk of developing thumb arthritis.
It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for thumb arthritis. With the right approach, it is possible to manage the condition and maintain a good quality of life.
References: [1] Arthritis Foundation. (2021). Thumb Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/diseases/symptoms-causes/symptoms/thumb-arthritis [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Thumb Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thumb-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355684 [3] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2020). Thumb Arthritis. Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/thumb-arthritis [4] Weiss, A. M., & Bombardier, C. (2017). Epidemiology of osteoarthritis of the hand. Current Rheumatology Reports, 19(11), 58. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-017-0747-z [5] Nguyen, A., & Kozak, S. (2019). Thumb Arthritis: A Review of Current Management Strategies. Journal of Hand Surgery, 44(9), 1355-1363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2019.04.006
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