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What Are The Symptoms of Thumb-Base Arthritis for Raleigh, Durham, Garner and Triangle Patients?

This condition is a common problem that occurs in primarily the middle aged female population and often in conjunction with carpal tunnel syndrome. At times there is a history of previous thumb fracture or arthritis in the family. More often there is not definitive cause.

The patient will usually complain of diffuse pain at the base of the thumb especially with simple activities such as opening jars, turning a key, or opening a door. In conjunction with these complaints of pain will come stiffness and weakness attempting to perform these activities. Even a feeling of incoordination may be reported when attempting to perform fine motor tasks.

Visually there may be a deformity as the surrounding thumb/wrist joints compensate for the loss of mobility at the primary arthritic joint (CMC).

Conservative Treatment of Thumb-Base Arthritis

In the early or less severe stages treatments involving rest, activity modification (and even possibly ergonomic changes) and anti-inflammatory medications can help to relieve the symptoms.

There are also various types of splints that can be utilized to help immobilize and support the inflamed area affected by this type of wear-and-tear arthritis. The style and material of splint will depend on the degree of symptoms, the amount of immobilization required, the specific work and activity of daily living tasks required and the presence of any type of thumb deformity. In managing arthritis of this joint it is important to remember that splinting only works if it is being worn properly.

Steroid Injections for Thumb-Base Arthritis in
Raleigh, Durham, Garner and Triangle

In the event that conservative treatment fails to alleviate the symptoms of thumb-base arthritis, your physician may choose to offer you a steroid injection. This injection typically may offer a good amount of relief for a certain but not predictable period of time. One would expect to receive 6 months of relief from wear-and-tear arthritis with an injection. In that event, it may be beneficial to receive injections repeatedly on this type schedule. In the event the injection lasts only 1 -2 months then other treatment methods should be considered.

Surgical Intervention

Surgery for thumb-base arthritis is only performed after prolonged failure of conservative measures. There are several approaches used to correct this problem one of which involves the use of a portion of a tendon in your forearm to replace and cushion the space between the arthritic joint surfaces. This involves some bone removal and then tendon replacement.

Results

Up to 90 % of the cases report success with this procedure noted as significant pain relief and restored use of the thumb. Some complications can include infection, residual thumb weakness, especially in pinch strength, some parathesias or nerve irritation around the incision site.
 

Post Operative Recovery

After surgery, the thumb and wrist are immobilized, usually in a plaster or fiberglass cast for up to 6 weeks and gradually transitioned to a removable splint according to physicians order. The splint may need to be worn for 1-2 additional months. You will be instructed to avoid any gripping or strenuous lifting activities for up to 3 months after surgery. As with most other major orthopaedic procedures, recovery of strength, flexibility and range of motion is gradual and may take from 6-12 months for optimum results.

For more information on how the thumb-base arthritis specialists at Cary Orthopaedics can help you, contact us today at 919-467-4992 for an appointment!

Cary Orthopaedics serves patients from Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro, NC