Thumb Arthritis Treatment

Awarding-Winning Orthopedic Services in Orange County

Degenerative thumb arthritis – also known as basal joint arthritis – is more common in women, and typically occurs sometime after 40 years of age. There is a genetic predisposition in developing this arthritis condition and additionally, any type of trauma to the thumb can predispose one to thumb arthritis. There are other conditions such as inflammatory arthritis (Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis) that can affect the base of the thumb and cause the deterioration of that joint, which may ultimately lead to thumb joint reconstruction surgery.

Symptoms of Thumb Arthritis

Activities which rely on the thumb, such as pinching, grasping or gripping, may result in hand pain at the base of the thumb, particularly in an arthritic joint. . Signs and symptoms of thumb arthritis may include swelling or stiffness at the base of the thumb. As the arthritis progresses, the pain and weakness may increase along with decreasing range of motion at the base of the thumb. As the arthritis advances even further, bone spurs may develop, resulting in an enlarged appearance at the base of the thumb.

Diagnosis of Thumb Arthritis

During a physical examination of an arthritic thumb, the hand doctor may notice grinding when maneuvering the thumb in a certain way. X-rays can be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Nonsurgical Thumb Arthritis Treatment

Treatment options for thumb arthritis is based on the severity of the symptoms. Nonoperative treatment for thumb arthritis can involve:

Rest and activity restriction
Bracing or splinting
Ergonomic adjustments
Medications (NSAIDs)
Avoidance of irritating activities
Steroid injections into the basal joint

Surgical Thumb Arthritis Treatment

When conservative treatment fails to alleviate hand pain caused from arthritis and when the patient is sufficiently symptomatic, reconstructive surgery is an option.

Find a Hand & Wrist Doctor

Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute for Thumb Arthritis

Our board-certified, fellowship-trained hand specialists are experts at treating thumb arthritis and all hand and wrist conditions. Stop living in pain and get help today.

Contact Hoag Orthopedic Institute to find an expert hand and wrist surgeon at (949) 890-0464 .

Frequently Asked Questions

At your first visit, your orthopedic hand and wrist specialist will take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Expect a detailed conversation about when your symptoms began, what movements or activities make them worse, and what treatments you’ve already tried.
Your hand doctor may perform a physical exam and order advanced imaging, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, to help pinpoint the source of your pain or dysfunction. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your specialist will walk you through all treatment options, from non-surgical care to potential procedures.
Most importantly, you’ll receive clear answers to your questions and a personalized plan designed to support your goals and restore hand and wrist function.
Scheduling an appointment with a qualified hand doctor at Hoag Orthopedic Institute is quick and easy. You can request a consultation online or call our scheduling team directly at (949) 890-0464 to speak with a team member. Our team will help match you with the right hand specialist for your condition, preferences, and availability.
From your very first visit, our team prioritizes clear communication and personalized care. Your orthopedic hand doctor will take the time to fully understand your needs as well as answer all your questions, explain your condition, and walk you through your treatment options.
Whether you need an initial diagnosis or a second opinion, you’ll have access to board-certified orthopedic hand surgeons, advanced diagnostic tools, and personalized care planning.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our expert hand doctors and orthopedic hand and wrist specialists provide a thorough evaluation to determine the least invasive treatment that meets your needs. Non-surgical care may include activity modification, bracing, corticosteroid injections, ultrasound, and targeted physical therapy — all designed to relieve pain and restore function.
When surgery is your best path forward, our fellowship-trained orthopedic hand surgeons perform advanced procedures ranging from minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release to complex tendon, ligament, and joint reconstructions. Many operations are performed with robotic assistance and arthroscopic tools to support faster healing and better long-term outcomes.
Whether your pain and dysfunction are caused by arthritis, nerve compression, or a traumatic injury, our orthopedic hand doctors tailor your treatment plan to get you back to doing what you love.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, your care is led by nationally recognized orthopedic hand doctors and fellowship-trained hand and wrist specialists who use the most advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques available today. From robotic-assisted procedures to minimally invasive surgery, our orthopedic hand and wrist surgeons focus on achieving the best possible outcomes with less pain and faster, more complete recovery.
Every patient benefits from personalized treatment planning, cutting-edge diagnostics, and a compassionate, collaborative care team. Whether you need a hand surgeon for complex trauma or a hand specialist treating chronic joint pain, Hoag Orthopedic Institute delivers exceptional, patient-centered care you can trust.
Our highly trained hand doctors and specialists provide expert treatment designed to meet your specific needs and goals.

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