Thumb Arthritis
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Costs
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Thumb arthritis, also known as arthritis of the basal joint of the thumb, is one of the most common causes of hand pain. Cartilage is a smooth, elastic tissue that covers the ends of the bones in the joints and helps them glide over one another with ease. When the cartilage wears down, it can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced mobility of the thumb. Thumb arthritis affects the joint between the base of the thumb and the wrist bones (carpometacarpal joint).
The most common type of thumb arthritis is osteoarthritis.
Thumb Arthritis – Causes
The exact cause of basal thumb arthritis is not known. However, there are certain risk factors that may contribute to the development of this condition. These risk factors include:
Age: Basal thumb arthritis is more common in people over the age of 50.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop basal thumb arthritis than men.
Overuse: Repetitive use of the thumb, such as in certain occupations (manual work or continuous computer use) or sports, may increase the risk of developing basal thumb arthritis.
Trauma: A previous injury to the thumb, such as a fracture or dislocation, may lead to arthritis.
Thumb Arthritis – Symptoms
The symptoms of basal thumb arthritis can vary from person to person. Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms. The most common symptoms include:
Pain: Pain at the base of the thumb is the most common symptom. The pain may be mild and intermittent at first but may become more severe and persistent over time.
Stiffness: Stiffness (limited mobility) in the thumb joint can make it difficult to perform everyday activities that require grasping, gripping or turning objects such as a key.
Swelling: There may be swelling and inflammation around the thumb joint.
Weakness: Weakness may occur in the thumb, especially when trying to grip or twist something.
A clicking or grinding sound when moving the thumb.
Thumb Arthritis – Diagnosis
A patient with thumb arthritis requires assessment by a specialized Orthopaedic Surgeon. Mr Leonidou will take a detailed medical history and examine you. Further investigations such as plain X-rays or, in some cases, an MRI scan may be required to investigate other possible causes of the symptoms and to assess the severity of the damage. Some patients with thumb arthritis also develop symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, in which case further investigation with electromyography is required. Once the diagnosis has been established, the doctor will discuss the recommended treatment options with you.
Thumb Arthritis – Conservative Treatment
Treatment for basal thumb arthritis depends on the severity of the condition and the individual’s symptoms. Treatment is initially conservative and includes:
Rest and immobilization: Resting the thumb and immobilizing it with a supportive splint helps reduce pain and inflammation. The splint is recommended for use during the night and intermittently during the day.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroid injections directly into the thumb joint can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Thumb Arthritis – Surgical Treatment
When conservative treatment is not effective, surgical treatment is recommended. The available techniques performed by the doctor include:
Removal of the trapezium bone. This is the bone mainly responsible for the symptoms. The bone is removed through a small incision and the joint is reconstructed using tendon grafts and special sutures.
Thumb arthroplasty – the joint is replaced with special implants.
Thumb arthrodesis. The joint is immobilized using special fixation materials.
Surgical treatment of thumb arthritis is performed through a small incision and without external sutures. The procedure is carried out under regional – local anesthesia without the need for general anesthesia. The patient is discharged from the hospital
Recovery After Surgery for Thumb Arthritis
The patient wears a functional splint for three weeks and then follows an individualized physiotherapy program. The pain caused by arthritis is relieved immediately and the patient gradually returns fully to everyday activities, as well as to work (including manual work) and sports.
If you have thumb arthritis, visit the specialized orthopaedic surgeon Mr Andreas Leonidou. For more information and appointments, please contact us.
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