Thumb arthritis pain: You can be helped!

Thumb arthritis can be painful and debilitating. If you think there is little that can be done - think again! Osteoarthritis (OA) of the thumb is caused by injury or wear and tear on the joint. The most common joint affected is the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. This is the joint at the base of the thumb where it meets the wrist. This joint is especially prone to injury as it needs to be stable and take a lot of force to allow you to pinch, hold and twist. Pain when pinching, lifting or pushing on the joint is usually the reason people seek help.

While "use it or lose it" applies to most arthritic joints, the thumb joint needs a balance of stability and mobility. If there is looseness in the ligaments you may need a splint to support the joint and prevent further inflammation and injury. Splinting is generally recommended full time for 3-4 weeks or until pain is minimal. Then the splint is used at night and during stressful activities.

Heat, ultrasound or other modalities may be used along with massage of the soft tissue to help reduce pain and swelling, as well as improve blood flow. Exercises are recommended to strengthen weakened muscle groups, but the thumb should not be forced into pain. You can be shown pinch patterns that help to avoid additional stress on the joints.

It is very important to protect your joints by modifying activities or using adaptive equipment such as larger handles, different types of scissors, etc. which we will talk about in a future article.

Many people who have OA also have other joints in the body that may be affected. Your therapist can make recommendations about treatment and community resources. Although you cannot cure this arthritis, your therapist can help you to develop a plan for pain relief, increasing your function and learning ways to protect the joints from further damage. You can also find information through the Arthritis Foundation.

Virginia Taft, OTR/L, ATP, is an Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Practitioner with more than 25 years experience. Her clinic, Coeur d'Alene Hand Therapy & Healing Center provides occupational and physical therapy services with a hands-on, whole body and lifestyle approach to health. Call for a free consultation 664-2901 or check us out on the Web cdahandtherapy.com.