Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis

This condition refers to a degenerative condition of the thumb basal joint (the joint that connects the thumb to the wrist). It is more common in women than men because they have looser joints, and is progressive in nature.

What Are the Causes of Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis?

In most instances, it is the natural progression of the wear and tear in the body that leads to this arthritis. The thumb basal joint is under a lot of stress, and as years go by, the cartilage in the joint can wear out, leading to arthritis.

Previous trauma or heavy manual work can also contribute to the development of this condition. Loose ligaments and joints, as seen in some women, can predispose them to this condition as well. This problem is most common in women over 40.

What Is the Treatment for Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis?

Initially the patient is placed in a splint and given medications to reduce the inflammation and swelling. The splint is either an off-the-shelf splint or a custom-made one, depending on the patient’s needs. The patient is instructed to wear the splint all the time, including to bed. It may be removed for hygiene.

This process is continued for the first week. As the symptoms subside, the splint can be worn less frequently. Finally, the splint should be worn at the times of strenuous activity. This does not cure the condition. The purpose of this treatment is control the symptoms.

If the medication and splint do not provide for adequate pain relief, a cortisone injection can be offered. However, this has a short-term benefit and the pain is likely to return after a few weeks. In cases where the arthritis is not advanced and looseness of the joint and muscular imbalance has significant factors, hand therapy will be offered.

In case all conservative measures fail, total joint reconstruction surgery or arthroscopy becomes an option. During surgery, the arthritic bone is removed and a tendon from the forearm is used to reconstruct the worn out joint.

What Are The Advantages of Surgery?

Many people with mild symptoms will improve with a limited period of anti-inflammatory medication and avoiding painful activities.

A cortisone injection into the sore area helps most people - at least temporarily. When temporary, relief usually lasts about 2 months. One or two shots provide permanent relief for less than half of people with this problem.

Surgery helps over four out of five people with this problem.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

With surgery, usually only one treatment is required.

Will I Have Pain?

Often patients experience discomfort during the initial phases of rehabilitation following surgery for arthritis at the base of the thumb. As the exercises stretch the structures used to stabilize the first metacarpal, the patient may have discomfort. Sometimes some mild inflammation is present around the surgical site. This gradually resolves and, by 3 to 6 months, most patients experience complete, or near-complete pain relief along with recovery of a satisfactory range of motion.

When Can I Go Back To Work or School?

You can return to work or school within days but your mobility will take more recovery time. Your thumb and wrist are placed in a cast or splint for up to 6 weeks. Once the cast is removed, you may work with a physical therapist to help regain hand strength and movement.

Although recovery is slow, you should be able to resume your normal activities within six months of surgery. Strength recovery may take up to one year depending on the amount of weakness prior to surgery and how vigorously strengthening exercises are continued.

Will Insurance Cover Surgery for Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis?

Most insurance companies offer reimbursement for reconstructive procedures, if you are having surgery to correct an abnormality, insurance coverage can likely be obtained. Pre-authorization by the insurance company is required prior to surgery.

Call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for a free consultation today! We would be happy to address all of your concerns.