Allowing your thumb to swivel, pivot, and pinch, your basal joint, which sits at the base of your thumb near your wrist, it makes it possible for you to pinch and grip with your hand. In a healthy thumb, cartilage covers the ends of your bones, ensuring that your bones glide smoothly through your joint. Without this cartilage, your bones may begin to rub together, causing friction to both your bones and your joint.

“Basal joint arthritis occurs when the cartilage within the basal joint begins to wear away,” explains Dr. Steven J. Heithoff, hand surgeon at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron.

The condition typically occurs in people over 40 years of age and is more common in women than in men. People who have suffered a fracture or injury to the joint may be at a higher risk of developing basal joint arthritis. If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you may be suffering from basal joint arthritis:

• Tenderness and swelling in the base of your thumb
• Limited motion within your joint
• Pain with activities like snapping your fingers or turning a key and when gripping or pinching with your thumb
• Aching discomfort within your joint after an extended period of use
• An enlarged appearance with the development of a bony bump protruding over the joint

There are a variety of treatment options available for basal joint arthritis. In the early stages of the disease, it can be treated effectively using nonsurgical methods, including icing and taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and inflammation. A supportive splint may also be helpful in limiting your thumb movement and allowing the joint to properly rest and heal. If nonsurgical methods are unsuccessful in treating your arthritis, your doctor may recommend surgery.

If you’re experiencing hand pain, call (810) 985-4900 to schedule an appointment with one of the hand doctors at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron or click here to schedule an appointment online.

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