Basilar thumb arthritis occurs in your thumb joint. Over time, this painful condition can lead to decreased range of motion and difficulty grasping objects.
University Orthopaedic Associates offers surgical and non-surgical treatment options for basilar thumb arthritis depending on how severe your symptoms are and your individual needs. Here’s more about the causes and symptoms of basilar thumb arthritis and how to contact UOA if you need treatment for this condition.
What Is Basilar Thumb Arthritis?
Also known as basal thumb arthritis or simply “thumb arthritis,” basilar thumb arthritis specifically affects the basal joint at the base of your thumb (the carpometacarpal joint). Arthritis in the thumb is usually caused by repetitive use and wear and tear of the carpometacarpal joint.
Like all other forms of arthritis, basilar thumb arthritis can lead to swelling, inflammation and pain in the affected joint. It can make certain everyday tasks more difficult to perform due to the pain causes.
Early-stage basilar thumb arthritis may be effectively treated using medications, injections or a splint. Late-stage or severe thumb arthritis may require surgery.
What Causes Basilar Thumb Arthritis?
Degenerative forms of arthritis, like basilar thumb arthritis, usually occur due to aging or repetitive use of the carpometacarpal joint. This type of arthritis (known as osteoarthritis) is more common in adults over the age of 40. Basilar thumb arthritis may also be caused by an injury to the carpometacarpal joint, such as a sprain or fracture.
Common causes and risk factors of basilar thumb arthritis include:
- Gender (more common in women)
- Obesity
- Genetic conditions, such as joint malformation or joint ligament laxity
- Diseases that affect cartilage structure, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Activities and movements that put excess stress on the carpometacarpal joint (turning keys, twisting lids or snapping your fingers)
Symptoms of Basilar Thumb Arthritis
Pain, inflammation and swelling of the carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb are the most common symptoms of basilar thumb arthritis. Other signs and symptoms of this condition include:
- Weakness in the thumb
- Stiffness and tenderness in the thumb
- Limited or loss of motion in the thumb
- Reduced or loss of strength in the thumb
- Pain when performing activities that involve the thumb joint
- Enlarged or bony growth at the base of the thumb
- Improper alignment of the thumb joint
Treatments for Basilar Thumb Arthritis
Your physician will take your symptoms and the severity of your thumb arthritis into account when determining a treatment approach. Many times, your physician may try non-surgical interventions and recommend surgery only if your arthritis is severe and/or doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatments.
Early-stage or mild basilar thumb arthritis may be treated using ice, medications, a splint or injections.
Medications and over-the-counter pain relievers may help reduce inflammation and swelling. A splint can be worn 24 hours a day or only at night and helps support the joint while limiting movement of the thumb and wrist. Your physician may also recommend corticosteroid injections, which are short-term treatments for basilar thumb arthritis that can reduce pain and inflammation.
Basilar thumb arthritis surgery may be needed when the above non-surgical treatments are not effective at reducing your symptoms. Surgery for thumb arthritis is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. The most common surgical options include joint fusion (arthrodesis), removal of the arthritic bone and joint replacement, and repositioning of the carpometacarpal joint (osteotomy).
Contact UOA if you are experiencing symptoms of basilar thumb arthritis. Our hand and upper extremity specialists at UOA can perform an evaluation and talk to you about all your available treatment options.
