Basal Thumb Arthritis is a condition that is often times associated with other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and scaphotrapezial arthritis. Typically, patients complain of pain localized to the base of the thumb. This pain is often activity-related, particularly after excessive use involving a forceful pinch.
Daily activities such as grasping large objects, unscrewing jar tops, turning doorknobs and writing can cause symptoms to flare up. As the condition progresses, pain may become constant. In addition to pain, weakness or loss of motion are also reported. In the later stages of the disease, patients may experience an inability to move the thumb away from the hand, weakness of pinched grip and loss of hand function. As a result, the thumb cannot be brought far enough away from the index finger to grasp large objects.
A detailed examination is normally all that is needed to make a diagnosis of Basal Thumb Arthritis. Initial treatment of Basal Thumb may include activity modification, rest, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, exercises and splinting. Corticosteroid injections can be useful when conservative measures have not worked; pain relief can be effective and last from a few days to several months.
While the above treatments are often successful, surgery may be needed when more conservative measures have failed, or in advanced cases.
If you are experiencing pain in or around the thumb, contact Dr. Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation – proper diagnosis is critical to proper treatment!
