FAQ on arthritis of the thumb
Degenerative arthritis of the thumb is one of the most common types of arthritis of the hand. It usually strikes the base of the thumb, where it meets the wrist. This town, known as the common name carpometacarpal (CMC) is a very mobile joint that allows movement in all directions. It is also a strong joint that allows movement of pinching.
However, due to its wide range of mobility, the bones that make up the CMC joint should give some stability, similar to the shoulder joint. For this reason, the ligaments around the joint are forced to bear most of the burden of stabilizing the thumb when using the hand, and if they are unable to do so effectively, then the aberrant movement in joint over time can contribute to the arthritis.
Diagnosis
The bones of the body at the articular surfaces are coated with cartilage, slippery coating which allows for smooth movement of the joints. Arthritis is an inflammation and possible wear of cartilage, creating rougher surfaces and painful movement. In my practice, arthritis of the thumb is a common phenomenon with a simple diagnosis. Palpation of the joint as the patient moves the thumb often reveal the typical grinding sensation as if the joint surfaces were lined with sandpaper. It may also be known as crepitus name squeaking sound. I can also order an X-ray to confirm the extent of arthritis and identify options most effective treatment. Other tests such as CT or MRI are usually unnecessary.
Treatment
In the early stages of the evolution of the disease, this type of arthritis is usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. This is often successful for months, even years, allowing the individual to fully use the hand at home and at work. thumb splint may also be advantageous because it allows the thumb to rest in a neutral position where the mechanical stress is at a minimum, which in turn can regulate inflammation.
However, arthritis is usually a progressive disease and because the thumb is used so often and vigorously, the disease often progresses despite these measures. As the more conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, I will try to reduce joint inflammation with one or more injections of cortisone to the affected joint.
In the later stages of arthritis, according to increasingly hand is lost, surgical reconstruction is often the best way to proceed. Part of the diseased joint is removed and reconstructed using a tendon graft from another part of your body. After surgery, you will need to wear a splint for several weeks to allow the surgical repair to strengthen. If your profession depends on heavy use of your hands, then you may have no work during this time if you are not able to find a job as a restricted service. It is important to consider in your overall planning before surgery. After removal of the splint, occupational or physical therapist with a specialty in rehabilitation of the hand will be prescribed. This will help you regain strength and movement, and allow you to make full use of the thumb and hand .......
Degenerative arthritis of the thumb is one of the most common types of arthritis of the hand. It usually strikes the base of the thumb, where it meets the wrist. This town, known as the common name carpometacarpal (CMC) is a very mobile joint that allows movement in all directions. It is also a strong joint that allows movement of pinching.
However, due to its wide range of mobility, the bones that make up the CMC joint should give some stability, similar to the shoulder joint. For this reason, the ligaments around the joint are forced to bear most of the burden of stabilizing the thumb when using the hand, and if they are unable to do so effectively, then the aberrant movement in joint over time can contribute to the arthritis.
Diagnosis
The bones of the body at the articular surfaces are coated with cartilage, slippery coating which allows for smooth movement of the joints. Arthritis is an inflammation and possible wear of cartilage, creating rougher surfaces and painful movement. In my practice, arthritis of the thumb is a common phenomenon with a simple diagnosis. Palpation of the joint as the patient moves the thumb often reveal the typical grinding sensation as if the joint surfaces were lined with sandpaper. It may also be known as crepitus name squeaking sound. I can also order an X-ray to confirm the extent of arthritis and identify options most effective treatment. Other tests such as CT or MRI are usually unnecessary.
Treatment
In the early stages of the evolution of the disease, this type of arthritis is usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. This is often successful for months, even years, allowing the individual to fully use the hand at home and at work. thumb splint may also be advantageous because it allows the thumb to rest in a neutral position where the mechanical stress is at a minimum, which in turn can regulate inflammation.
However, arthritis is usually a progressive disease and because the thumb is used so often and vigorously, the disease often progresses despite these measures. As the more conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, I will try to reduce joint inflammation with one or more injections of cortisone to the affected joint.
In the later stages of arthritis, according to increasingly hand is lost, surgical reconstruction is often the best way to proceed. Part of the diseased joint is removed and reconstructed using a tendon graft from another part of your body. After surgery, you will need to wear a splint for several weeks to allow the surgical repair to strengthen. If your profession depends on heavy use of your hands, then you may have no work during this time if you are not able to find a job as a restricted service. It is important to consider in your overall planning before surgery. After removal of the splint, occupational or physical therapist with a specialty in rehabilitation of the hand will be prescribed. This will help you regain strength and movement, and allow you to make full use of the thumb and hand .......
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