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 Surgeon
Our board certified, fellowship-trained hand specialists are experts at treating Thumb Arthritis. Hoag Orthopedic Institute is ranked as one of the top Orthopedic Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in 2020-2021.
Find a hand surgeon that treats thumb arthritis. Call us at (949) 705-6493 to make an appointment.
Please note that all physicians are listed in random order and search results are refreshed every hour to comply with Stark Law.
-
Mark N. Halikis, M.D.Hand Surgery, Orthopedic SurgeryView Profile
-
Tze C. Ip, M.D.Hand Surgery, Orthopedic SurgeryView Profile
-
Paul T. Dinh, M.D.Hand Surgery, Orthopedic SurgeryView Profile
-
Shaunak S. Desai, M.D.Hand Surgery, Orthopedic SurgeryView Profile
-
Nicholas E. Rose, M.D.Hand Surgery, Orthopedic SurgeryView Profile
-
Ying Chi, M.D.Hand Surgery, Orthopedic SurgeryView Profile
-
John F. Cook, MDHand Surgery, Orthopedic SurgeryView Profile
-
Back to Show Jumping Hand & Wrist, Sports Medicine
"Procedure: Repair of fractured left wrist It’s been eight months since Justine flew ..."
Read More -
Back to Volleyball Hand & Wrist, Sports Medicine
"Procedure: Fractured Left Index Finger Repair: December 2017 “Coach, I think I broke ..."
Read More -
Back to Football After a Fractured Wrist Hand & Wrist, Sports Medicine
"Procedure: Closed reduction, right wrist (February 2018) Scholar athlete Joey Hobert ..."
Read More -
Back to Being a Gamer Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist
"Procedures: Left and Right Trigger Finger Releases (December 2015) and Smart Toe ..."
Read More -
Back to Savoring Every Day Hand & Wrist, Spine & Neck
"Procedures: Spinal Surgery: January 16, 2017; Right Wrist Fusion: January 12, 2018 ..."
Read More -
Back to Tennis Hand & Wrist, Trauma & Fracture
"On a sunny Southern California afternoon while playing mixed doubles tennis, Patti ..."
Read More
-
04-20-2019 - Adam Kennedy Play Podcast
-
04-27-2019 Marcellus Wiley - Former NFL defensive end Play Podcast
-
1/12/19 Jordan Campbell - Former Washington Redskins fullback Play Podcast
-
1/5/2019 - Dr. Jonathan Kaplan - Orthopedic surgeon Play Podcast
-
10/11/14 - Doctor in the Dugout with Doug DeCinces Play Podcast
-
10/18/14 - Doctor in the Dugout with Hank Azaria Play Podcast
-
10/25/14 - Doctor in the Dugout with Theresa Dinh and Dr. Alexander Tischler Play Podcast
-
10/5/14 - Doctor in the Dugout with Dr. Scott Forman Play Podcast
-
10-12-19 Miles McPherson – Former NFL cornerback for the Chargers. Play Podcast
-
10-14-17 Featuring Eric Williams - ESPN sideline reporter for the Los Angeles Chargers Play Podcast