Thumb Pain? Arthritis Could Be the Culprit

If you notice increasing pain with activities as simple as opening a jar or turning a key, you may be experiencing the effects of thumb arthritis, also known as basal joint arthritis. This condition is common in postmenopausal women, with nearly 25 percent of women eventually developing pain and other symptoms due to wear and tear on the joint at the base of the thumb, but it can also develop in men.

For most women with thumb arthritis, the condition is not caused by a prior injury. In men, however, a history of previous thumb injury is more commonly associated with the development of arthritis.

The anatomy of the thumb basal joint depends on two bones, the trapezium and the thumb metacarpal, along with several ligaments that maintain stability. These structures are placed under tremendous stress every day. For example, pinching an object with just 10 pounds of force at the fingertip can place approximately 120 pounds of pressure on the thumb joint. Over time, these repetitive forces can cause the supporting ligaments to weaken, leading to abnormal joint wear and, eventually, arthritis.

Common symptoms of thumb arthritis include pain at the base of the thumb, swelling or tenderness, weakness when pinching or gripping objects, stiffness, and difficulty performing everyday tasks such as opening jars, turning keys, or buttoning clothing.

Treatment depends on the severity of the arthritis. In its early stages, many patients find relief with splinting, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, or corticosteroid injections.

When arthritis becomes more advanced and conservative treatments are no longer effective, surgery may provide lasting pain relief while restoring function. In addition to traditional surgical techniques, some patients may be candidates for thumb joint replacement using the TOUCH® CMC 1 prosthesis. This innovative implant replaces the arthritic thumb joint with a cementless, dual-mobility ball-and-socket design that is intended to reduce pain, improve grip and pinch strength, maintain joint stability, and preserve natural thumb movement. Although relatively new in the United States, the TOUCH prosthesis has been used successfully in Europe for more than 30 years.

Diagnosis is simple and typically painless. After a thorough evaluation and imaging, your hand surgeon will determine the severity of your arthritis and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.

For more information, please call (860) 527-7161 or request an appointment online with one of our hand specialists at The Hand Center.