What is thumb arthritis?

Thumb arthritis is a very common condition that is characterised by the degeneration of the joint at the base of the thumb.

What are the causes of thumb arthritis, and what symptoms can develop?

Thumb arthritis typically develops gradually over time, often as a result of wear and tear on the joint due to repetitive movements, ageing, or previous injuries. As the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones in the CMC joint wears away, the bones may rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the thumb. In advanced cases, the joint may become enlarged or deformed, causing further discomfort and limiting thumb mobility.

What are the associated risk factors?

Risk factors for thumb arthritis include age (as the condition is more common in older adults), previous thumb injuries, family history of arthritis, certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, and occupations or activities that involve repetitive thumb movements or heavy use of the hands.

How is thumb arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosing thumb arthritis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the severity of joint damage and rule out other possible causes of thumb pain.

How is thumb arthritis treated?

Treatment for thumb arthritis aims to relieve symptoms, improve thumb function, and enhance quality of life. This may include conservative measures such as activity modification, splinting, thumb exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and assistive devices to reduce stress on the thumb joint.

When is surgery considered for thumb arthritis?

In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective in relieving symptoms or the joint damage is severe, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical options for thumb arthritis include joint fusion (arthrodesis), joint reconstruction, or joint replacement (arthroplasty) to alleviate pain, restore thumb function, and improve hand strength and dexterity.