Thumb Arthritis

What Is Thumb Arthritis?

Thumb arthritis is a very common condition that can cause pain and even limit a person’s ability to engage in normal daily activities. The hand and nerve specialists at Institute for Hand Surgery at New York Plastic Surgical Group, a division of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, offer a full range of thumb arthritis treatments to help patients find relief.

• What is Thumb Arthritis?
• Thumb Arthritis Causes
• Thumb Arthritis Symptoms
• Thumb Arthritis Treatment: What to Expect
• Preparing for Treatment
• How is Thumb Arthritis Treated?
• Non-Surgical Treatment of Thumb Arthritis
• Surgery for Thumb Arthritis
• Recovery After Thumb Arthritis Surgery
• Frequently Asked Questions About Thumb Arthritis

What is Thumb Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, which are located at the junction where two bones meet. The ends of each bone are covered by a smooth layer of cartilage, which prevents friction so the joint can move smoothly. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA), happens when the cartilage becomes degraded or wears away. This is frequently a result of wear and tear, but may also be caused by trauma or injury, systemic disease, or other factors.¹

In the thumb, arthritis most commonly develops in the joint at the base of the thumb. This may be referred to as the basal joint or the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. This joint, located beneath the fleshy part of the thumb near the wrist, makes it possible for the thumb to pinch, swivel, and pivot. The CMC is a saddle joint where the stability is maintained mostly from the surrounding joint capsule and ligaments. This is essential for mobility, but makes it less stable by nature. Because the CMC joint is subject to so much use, it is very susceptible to the development of osteoarthritis.

Thumb Arthritis Causes

The most common cause of thumb arthritis is wear and tear, so this condition is most likely to appear later in life. The thumb is used to perform countless daily tasks, so everyone is vulnerable to developing osteoarthritis of the thumb. However, some people are at a higher risk for developing basal joint arthritis. Risk factors for thumb arthritis include:

• Age: this condition most commonly appears in people over the age of 40
• Gender: females are more likely to develop thumb osteoarthritis
• Hereditary conditions that affect the joints
• Obesity
• Previous thumb injuries
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Frequent use of the thumb joint, such as for an occupation or sport²

Thumb Arthritis Symptoms

Symptoms of thumb arthritis include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Stiffness
• Loss of strength
• Difficulty grasping objects
• Decreased range of motion
• Bony or enlarged appearance of the CMC joint

Thumb Arthritis Treatment: What to Expect

Preparing for Treatment

If your thumb joint is swollen and painful, the first step to finding relief is to attend a consultation with a fellowship trained hand surgeon who specializes in the treatment of hand and wrist conditions at the Institute for Hand Surgery at NYPS Group. Here, you will undergo a physical examination and your hand doctor may also order X-rays or other imaging tests before discussing your treatment options with you.

How is Thumb Arthritis Treated?

Treatment for thumb arthritis is dependent on the severity of a patient’s symptoms and the extent to which thumb arthritis impacts their daily activities.

Non-Surgical Treatment of Thumb Arthritis

Many patients find adequate relief from their basilar thumb arthritis symptoms through non-surgical treatment. This may include:

• Ice or heat
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication (which can also provide pain relief)
• Steroid injections
• Immobilization (splinting)

Surgery for Thumb Arthritis

Thumb arthritis surgery may be performed when all non-surgical treatment options have been exhausted. There are a number of surgical options for patients with arthritis of the thumb:

• Joint fusion
• Thumb joint reconstruction
• Thumb joint replacement (arthroplasty)
• Partial thumb joint removal, using a tendon to support the thumb bone³
• Joint denervation

Recovery After Thumb Arthritis Surgery

Following thumb arthritis surgery, the joint will need to be supported and immobilized by wearing a cast or splint for a number of weeks. Patients often undergo physical therapy to help them regain strength and mobility. Most patients are able to get back to their normal activities several weeks to months after their thumb arthritis surgery. Overall, surgery for thumb arthritis is very successful for pain relief with very high patient satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritis of the Thumb

Can thumb arthritis be prevented?

The thumb joint is used so frequently that it is impossible to entirely prevent thumb arthritis. However, there are certain steps you can take to reduce damage to the cartilage in your thumb, such as:

• Avoiding repetitive thumb movements when possible
• Modify activities to avoid certain overhand and direct pinching motions
• Using an ergonomic keyboard
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Is thumb arthritis the cause of my thumb pain?

Arthritis of the CMC joint is the most frequent cause of chronic thumb pain, especially in patients over the age of 40. However, there may be other conditions causing or contributing to your discomfort, such as trigger thumb (stenosing tenosynovitis or De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Working with an experienced hand and joint doctor is the best way to properly diagnose the cause of your pain and find the right treatment to improve your symptoms.

Contact Us

If your thumb joint is swollen and painful, contact the experienced hand doctors at the Institute for Hand Surgery at NYPS Group to learn more about your treatment options. We are proud to treat patients throughout the New York City area.

¹ American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Arthritis: An Overview. Available: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/arthritis-an-overview/. Accessed May 30, 2023.
² Mayo Clinic. Thumb Arthritis. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thumb-arthritis/symptoms-causes/. Accessed May 30, 2023.
³ American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Arthritis of the Thumb. Available: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/arthritis-of-the-thumb/. Accessed May 30, 2023.