Basal Joint Arthritis
Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation and
stiffness in the joints.It often affects the joint at the base of the
thumb. This joint is called the carpometacarpal joint.
CMCJ arthritis occurs as a result of wear and tear
on the joint. It is more likely to occur at a younger age if you have
fractured or injured your thumb. Repeated gripping, twisting, or
turning objects with your hand may make symptoms worse.
If you have CMCJ arthritis, you may notice pain in the
lower part of the thumb associated with swelling and stiffness. You may
frequently drop things due to the pain.
Your doctor can diagnose CMCJ arthritis by examining your hand and by taking x-rays.
If arthritis is diagnosed early, it may respond to conservative treatment which includes:
• A thumb spica splint that you wear all the time (except when bathing)
for 6 weeks. This splint prevents movement of your thumb and helps
reduce the inflammation.
• Oral anti-inflammatory medication.
• A small injection of cortisone into the thumb joint to help reduce the inflammation.
If this treatment does not relieve the pain and
stiffness, or if arthritis has destroyed the joint, your doctor may
recommend surgery. The diseased joint is removed and rebuilt with a
piece of tendon (graft) taken from your wrist.
The approximate recovery time for this surgery is 3
months, but that does not mean that you can’t use your hand at all for
that time. It means that you will be limited in motion and strength
during the healing process.
Arthritis does not have to prevent you from doing the
things that you enjoy most. Successful treatment is available.
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