CMCJ Arthritis of the Thumb

Thumb pain can significantly impact your daily life, making even simple tasks like opening a jar or turning a doorknob challenging. If you’re experiencing pain at the base of your thumb, you might be concerned about CMCJ arthritis.

At Pinnacle Orthocentre Hospital, we understand how frustrating and debilitating thumb arthritis can be. 

This blog aims to provide you with clear information about this condition, including its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.

What is CMCJ Arthritis?

CMCJ (carpometacarpal) arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis that affects the joint at the base of your thumb, where it connects to your wrist. This crucial joint allows your thumb to move in multiple directions, enabling important functions like grasping, pinching, and gripping.

Over time, the protective cartilage within the CMCJ joint can wear down, leading to bone rubbing against bone. This wear and tear causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness, impacting your thumb’s mobility and strength.

Common Thumb Arthritis Symptoms

Thumb arthritis symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but some common signs include:

• Pain at the base of the thumb: This pain often worsens with activities that involve pinching, gripping, or applying force, such as opening jars, turning door knobs, or writing.
• Stiffness and limited movement: You might experience difficulty bending or flexing your thumb, making daily tasks cumbersome.
• Swelling and tenderness: The area around the base of your thumb might appear swollen and feel tender to the touch.
• Weakness in your thumb: You may find it difficult to hold objects firmly or apply pressure with your thumb.
• Grinding or popping sounds: You might hear clicking or grinding sensations in your thumb joint when moving it.

What Causes of Thumb Arthritis?

Several factors can contribute to the development of thumb joint pain causes:

• Age: CMCJ arthritis is more common in adults over 40, especially women.
• Repetitive stress: Repeatedly using your thumb for forceful activities like gardening, playing sports, or certain manual jobs can increase your risk.
• Previous injuries: Fractures, dislocations, or sprains in the thumb can damage the joint and increase the risk of arthritis.
• Underlying conditions: Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can also contribute to CMCJ arthritis.
• Family history: Having a family member with thumb arthritis can slightly increase your risk.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing thumb arthritis typically involves:

• Physical Examination: Assessing the thumb joint’s range of motion and tenderness.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays or MRI scans can reveal joint damage and inflammation.
• Medical History: Understanding the patient’s symptoms and any relevant medical history.

Effective Treatment Options: Beyond Thumb Splints

At Pinnacle Orthocentre Hospital in Thane, we offer a range of thumb arthritis treatment options to manage pain and improve function:

Non-surgical treatments:

1. Rest and activity modification: Reducing activities that aggravate your thumb pain can help.
2. Splinting: Wearing a thumb splint can immobilize the joint and reduce inflammation.
3. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain.
4. Corticosteroid injections: Injections directly into the joint can provide targeted pain relief.
5. Physical therapy: Exercises can improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and promote mobility.

Surgical treatments:

If non-surgical methods don’t offer sufficient relief, your doctor might recommend surgery, such as:

• Arthroscopic synovectomy: This minimally invasive procedure removes inflamed tissue within the joint.
• Joint reconstruction: This surgery repairs or replaces damaged joint components.
• Joint replacement: In severe cases, the entire joint may be replaced with an artificial one.

Thumb Arthritis Treatment in Mumbai at Pinnacle Orthocentre Hospital

At Pinnacle Orthocentre Hospital, we specialize in comprehensive orthopaedic care, including the treatment of thumb arthritis. 

Our team of experienced orthopaedic surgeons and healthcare professionals provides personalized care and effective treatment options for individuals suffering from thumb arthritis.

Our services include:

1. Diagnostic Evaluation: Utilizing advanced imaging technology for accurate diagnosis.
2. Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaborating with specialists in pain management and rehabilitation to develop customized treatment plans.
3. Minimally Invasive Surgery: Offering minimally invasive surgical techniques for faster recovery and improved outcomes.
4. Rehabilitation Programs: Providing post-operative rehabilitation programs to facilitate recovery and restore thumb function.

 Conclusion:

Thumb arthritis can significantly impact daily life, but with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, individuals can find relief and regain function. 

At Pinnacle Orthocentre Hospital in Thane, Mumbai, we are committed to providing compassionate care and advanced treatment options for thumb arthritis, helping patients live life to the fullest.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of thumb arthritis, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for expert evaluation and personalized treatment.