The joint at the base of the thumb is known as the basal joint or thumb CMC (carpometacarpal) joint. Since this joint allows for complex movement of the thumb it tends to wear out and develop arthritis over time. Basal joint arthritis is also common in people who have being diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
THINGS YOU CAN DO TO RELIEVE PAIN AND DISCOMFORT
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Ice the area for five to fifteen minutes at a time, a bag of frozen peas works well for this since you can mold it around the area.
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You can take over the counter non-
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Wear a splint or brace which wrist and thumb support.
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If the problem persists visit your doctor.
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WHAT THE DOCTOR CAN DO FOR YOU
First, the doctor will take x-rays and perform an examination to determine if you suffer from Basal Joint Arthritis. If this is the case then there are several options available, the doctor can:
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Prescribe stronger non-
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Refer you for hand therapy
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Prescribe a custom made brace -
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Inject the joint with cortisone
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Perform joint reconstructive surgery
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TOTAL JOINT RECONSTRUCTION
The first step is to remove the trapezium bone at at the base of the thumb (fig. 2). Then, to maintain thumb position a bridge is made between the base of the thumb and index finger. This bridge is normally done with a tendon graft (Fig. 3). The last step is to build a soft “pad” where the trapezium bone used to be (the bone removed on Fig. 2). This “pad” is usually made from a tendon graft as well .
Recovery can take approximately four to five months. You will be in a cast for 4 weeks followed by progressive mobilization and a bracing regime. Strengthening activities begin 8 weeks after surgery. This post -operative program is supervised by your doctor and a certified hand therapist.
BASAL JOINT ARTHRITIS
