Think about the number of times in a day you use your thumb. Chances are every time you use your hand your thumb is doing some of the work.
Now imagine if your thumb was stiff and painful, and the difference that would make to your everyday life.
This is exactly what happens if you develop osteoarthritis in your thumb.
It is usually a result of unusual use or overuse of the thumb, the joint of which is known as a basal joint.
Those suffering from thumb arthritis will experience a drop in the strength of the thumb. The digit may even become swollen and painful making it hard to open doorknobs or bottles, turn a key or grasp an object.
Most people who develop arthritis in the thumb are usually over the age of 40 and women are four times more likely to suffer from it than men.
The stage of the condition will determine the kind of treatment you will need.
Just resting the thumb and using a splint, along with some medication, may help those with mild to moderate symptoms.
Aspirin and over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen and ketoprofen can relieve thumb arthritis, but it is best to ask the pharmacist about side effects before taking these medications.
Being aware of how to protect your damaged joint is important as some movements exacerbate the condition and the pain.
Simple measures and medication can help most people suffering from mild thumb arthritis to get better.
For more severe thumb arthritis, which is unlikely to occur if you catch the condition when it first becomes evident and follow treatment plans, surgery could be the answer.
It can help to relieve the pain associated with the condition but, according to statistics, only helps four out of five people. If you are the one in five that it doesn’t help, you may develop new problems such as numbness on the back of the hand.
Those undergoing surgery may find after the operation, the thumb is drawn into the palm and pinch strength may not have improved much.
If you are suffering from thumb pain, it is a good idea to seek medical help as soon as possible. If it is arthritis, getting an early diagnosis and following your doctor’s orders could prevent it from developing into a more serious case.
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