Arthritis · Thumb
Thumb Base Arthritis
Arthritis at the base of the thumb (basilar thumb arthritis, Thumb CMC arthritis) presents as a common source of discomfort during grasping and pinching activities. Arthritis affects the thumb carpometacarpal joint (thumb trapeziometacarpal joint).
Call our office · (623) 264-3300Tasks That Tend to Hurt
Pain may occur when performing tasks such as:
Initially, symptoms may be intermittent and improve quickly. In some cases, the pain may progress.
Overview
A Common Source of Pinching Pain
Arthritis at the base of the thumb (basilar thumb arthritis, Thumb CMC arthritis) presents as a common source of discomfort during grasping and pinching activities. Arthritis affects the thumb carpometacarpal joint (thumb trapeziometacarpal joint).
Pain may occur when performing tasks such as opening a jar, turning a screwdriver, and/or turning a knob. Initially, symptoms may be intermittent and improve quickly. In some cases, the pain may progress.
What Patients May Notice
- Discomfort during grasping and pinching activities
- Pain opening a jar
- Pain turning a screwdriver or a knob
- Symptoms that are initially intermittent and improve quickly
- Pain that may progress over time in some cases
Where the Arthritis Is
Arthritis affects the thumb carpometacarpal joint — also called the thumb trapeziometacarpal joint — at the base of the thumb, where the thumb meets the wrist.
These treatment options do not address pain or dysfunction that involves the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb.
Treatment Options
Non-Operative Treatment
Nonoperative treatment options include over-the-counter medications, thumb spica splinting, and cortisone injection.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications are one of the nonoperative options your treating physician may discuss for thumb base arthritis.
Thumb Spica Splinting
Thumb spica splinting is a nonoperative treatment option that supports and rests the thumb carpometacarpal joint.
Cortisone Injection
Cortisone injection is another nonoperative treatment option your treating physician may discuss.
Non-operative treatment carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with your treating physician.
Surgical Treatment
When Surgery Is Considered
If symptoms persist despite nonoperative treatment, several surgical treatment options may be discussed.
Ligament Reconstruction & Tendon Interposition
LRTI
If symptoms persist despite nonoperative treatment, one surgical treatment option involves Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition (LRTI).
Additional Surgical Approaches
- Limited Arthrodesis (Fusion) — Fusion of the affected joint.
- Osteotomy — Repositioning of bone to change joint loading.
- Arthroscopic Resection — Performed arthroscopically.
- Implant Arthroplasty — Replacement of the joint with an implant.
About the Thumb MCP Joint
These treatment options do not address pain or dysfunction that involves the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb. Occasionally, symptoms at this joint may become more noticeable after treatment of the thumb carpometacarpal joint.
Additional options to address thumb MCP symptoms vary and should be discussed with your treating physician.
Thumb Pain Affecting Your Grip?
Evaluation and surgical management of basilar thumb arthritis involve complex decision-making. An evaluation can help you understand which options fit your situation.
Request an AppointmentOutcomes after Hand Surgery vary and risks and benefits should be discussed in detail with your treating physician. Non-operative treatment also carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with your treating physician.
Common Questions
Thumb Base Arthritis FAQs
What is thumb base arthritis?+
Arthritis at the base of the thumb (basilar thumb arthritis, Thumb CMC arthritis) presents as a common source of discomfort during grasping and pinching activities. Arthritis affects the thumb carpometacarpal joint (thumb trapeziometacarpal joint).
Which activities tend to cause pain?+
Pain may occur when performing tasks such as opening a jar, turning a screwdriver, and/or turning a knob.
Do symptoms always get worse?+
Initially, symptoms may be intermittent and improve quickly. In some cases, the pain may progress.
What non-surgical treatments are available?+
Nonoperative treatment options include over-the-counter medications, thumb spica splinting, and cortisone injection.
What is LRTI surgery?+
If symptoms persist despite nonoperative treatment, one surgical treatment option involves Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition (LRTI). Other options include limited arthrodesis (fusion), osteotomy, arthroscopic resection, and implant arthroplasty.
Does surgery address the MCP joint?+
These treatment options do not address pain or dysfunction that involves the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb. Occasionally, symptoms at this joint may become more noticeable after treatment of the thumb carpometacarpal joint. Additional options to address thumb MCP symptoms vary and should be discussed with your treating physician.
A thumb that catches or locks rather than aches may be trigger finger. A fluid-filled bump near the joint may be a ganglion or mucous cyst.
Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery
Pain at the Base of Your Thumb?
If grasping, pinching or opening jars has become painful, an evaluation with Tanay Amin, MD, FAAOS can confirm the diagnosis and help you understand which treatment options are appropriate for you.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to convey, substitute or supplant any medical advice. In order to establish a treating relationship, please schedule and complete your visits with a licensed physician.
Copyright 12/9/2021 Tanay Amin, MD. Do not copy, distribute, or publish this article. Please contact Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery PLLC with regards to any inquiries or corrections.