The most prevalent type of osteoarthritis that affects the hand is thumb arthritis and it is also known as the basal joint arthritis. It happens once the suppressing cartilage deteriorates away from the bones which forms the thumb joint known as the carpometacarpal joint.
An individual suffering from thumb arthritis experiences severe pain in the hands, swelling, and there is minimal strength and range of motion as well as difficulty in doing simple tasks like turning door knobs and opening jars. Thumb arthritis can be treated with self-care measures, splints, medications and corticosteroid injections.
Symptoms of thumb arthritis
Pain is the most common symptom of thumb arthritis and happens at the base of the thumb like pinching or grasping an object using the thumb and forefingers and using the thumb in applying force like turning a key, pulling a zipper or opening a jar. There are other signs and symptoms to watch out for:
- Decreased range of motion
- Swelling, stiffness and tenderness at the base of the thumb
- Enlarged, bony appearance
- Difficulty when pinching or grasping an object
Causes of thumb arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – a condition of the arm and hand that causes tingling and numbness that is caused by a pinched nerve in a wrist.
- Trigger thumb – it is caused by a tendon that is shrinking that makes the thumb curl up in a position like squeezing a trigger.
- Tendonitis – inflammation of the tendons
Treatment and home remedies
Self-care measures can help in relieving pain. These can help improve the mobility of the thumb and increase the independence of the individual. Here are the following measures that you can perform. You can learn more about these by enrolling in a first aid class today.
- Performing range-of-motion exercises that moves the thumb and can help in the improvement of the joint’s mobility.
- Modifying hand tools by buying jar openers, large zipper pulls, key turners that are good for individuals with limited hand strength. It is also best to enlarge the handles of garden tools, writing devices and kitchen utensils. Changing old door handles which can be easily grasped or those with levers.
- Apply alternating heat or cold to help in relieving pain and to relax the joints.
- Use a purse or bag with a strong elbow or shoulder strap. Do not use grocery bags with handles, instead use a box-like paper bags since it provide adequate balance on the hip and arm.
- Take a simple anti-inflammatory medication to relieve the symptoms of thumb arthritis.
- Putting a splint on the arthritic joints during activities to minimize the symptoms.
Some thumb arthritis exercises
- In and out and thumb side – This exercise increases the thumb’s range of motion.
Lift the hand in front of the body and turning the palm inward, then slide the thumb across the palm, going towards the little finger. Bend the thumb at the base and lift the thumb toward the ceiling and extending it as high as possible.
- Thumb walk – This exercise increases the mobility of the thumb.
Lift the hand and turning the palm facing up, then straighten the wrist and let the thumb touch any of the fingertips and form a letter “O”, then release the thumb, and let it touch again another fingertip and form again a letter “O”. When finished, straighten and spread thumb and fingers.