Thumb CMC (CarpoMetaCarpal) Arthritis / Basal Joint Arthritis
What is Thumb Carpometacarpal (CMC) Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the wear-and-tear of the nice, smooth articular surface that coats the end of bones and allows the two bones of a joint to slide easily upon each other with movement.
When the cartilage breaks down, it becomes becomes pocked, bone spurs may develop, and the joint space between the bones is lost.
Pain occurs when the bones start rubbing against each other.
The joints can also change position, become unstable, or become misshapen. A common location for this to occur is at the base of the thumb, known as CMC arthritis or basal joint arthritis.
Common Symptoms
Pain at the base of your thumb, particularly when gripping, grasping or pinching an object
Swelling, stiffness and tenderness at the base of the thumb
Decreased strength when pinching or grasping objects
Decreased range of motion
An enlarged or bony appearance of the joint at the base of your thumb
The thumb may begin to "collapse" towards the palm of the hand.
Common Treatments Include:
Use of orthotics, splints or braces to position the thumb joint in proper alignment and to support the joints during activity.
Use of gadgets and devices (adaptive equipment) to make tasks easier.
Using modified techniques to place less stress on the joints (joint protection).
Modifying the flow and pace of how activities are performed in order to minimize muscle fatigue, joint stress, and pain (energy conservation).
Use of Heat and cold
Use cold packs for acute pain or swelling.
Use heat packs to control more chronic pain or relax the muscles.
Wearing compression or Isotoner gloves at night may help control swelling and provide a comforting, neutral warmth.
Perform gentle ROM exercises to keep joints as flexible as possible.
Use of topical pain relieving creams if helpful and as needed.
Modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation and iontophoresis may be helpful to reduce pain and inflammation.
Therapeutic taping may be helpful to reduce pain and provide gentle support.
A short course of anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs, may be helpful in the inflammatory stage of arthritis onset as prescribed by an MD or an over-the-counter (Advil, Aleve) if not contraindicated by other medical conditions.
A Cortisone injection into the painful area may temporarily reduce inflammation and pain.
If conservative treatment methods do not alleviate the symptoms, surgical options may be considered.
Arthritis Foundation - **Ease of Work products listed by category (health & wellness, home & hobby, work).
**The Arthritis Foundation’s Ease of Use Commendation recognizes products proven to make life easier for people who have arthritis and other physical limitations.