What is a basal joint?
The basal joint is formed by one of the wrist bones (trapezium) and the first of the 3 bones in the thumb (first metacarpal). This joint allows the thumb to move and to pinch with the fingers. When arthritis occurs in the basal joint, it slowly destroys the joint.
What type of joint is the basal joint?
The thumb basal joint, also known as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, is a specialized saddle-shaped joint that is formed by a small wrist bone (trapezium) and the first of the three bones in the thumb (metacarpal).
Who gets basal joint arthritis?
Who can get basal joint arthritis? Basal joint arthritis is often caused by normal wear and tear of the body during the aging process. It is more common in women than men and appears usually over the age of 50. It can also appear in those who have had previous injury to the thumb joint.
What does basal joint arthritis look like?
Appearance. The thumb may appear swollen, especially at its base, and you may develop a bony bump. Overall, the base of the thumb can take on an enlarged appearance. One alarming sign of thumb arthritis is improper alignment of the joint as it shifts from its normal positioning.
What causes pain in thumb?
There are several causes of thumb pain including: (1) trigger thumb, (2) arthritis, (3) tendonitis, (4) carpal tunnel syndrome, and (5) skier’s thumb.
What causes thumb joint pain and swelling?
Thumb arthritis is common as we age. In most cases, it’s osteoarthritis — the age-related breakdown of joint tissue — that causes a swollen thumb joint, especially at the lowest joint (called the basal joint). It can also be caused by reactive arthritis, which is triggered by an infection in the body.
How do you fix basal arthritis?
Treatments include splints, education in joint protection techniques, home use of heat and cold, and in some cases, gentle exercise. For most individuals, only one or two visits are required. If pain and loss of function can not be improved by therapy, medical intervention may be required.
How bad is thumb arthritis?
Thumb arthritis can cause severe pain, swelling, and decreased strength and range of motion, making it difficult to do simple tasks, such as turning doorknobs and opening jars. Treatment generally involves a combination of medication and splints. Severe thumb arthritis might require surgery.
Is thumb arthritis a disability?
Many people may wonder is arthritis a disability. Yes. Arthritis can prompt incapacity, as can numerous other mental and physical conditions. If your arthritis confines your daily movements, or activities you may qualify for disability benefits.
Is thumb arthritis curable?
While there is no cure for arthritis in your thumb, there are various simple treatments that can help relieve symptoms for many people. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about which treatments might work best for you.
How long is recovery from basal joint surgery?
The surgeon wants to remove the trapezoid bone. It seems to be a very common surgical procedure for this condition but there seems to be a very lengthy recovery period. 6 -12 months. The loss of strength doesn’t worry me too much as I have little strength anyway because of the pain.
How long is recovery from basal thumb surgery?
Some people can continue to gain strength for one to two years. People in white collar and executive positions may be able to return to work within a week. But it can take as long as three to six months before returning to a job that requires extensive use of your hands. LRTI is a serious surgery with a lengthy recovery time.
What is recovery time for basal joint arthroplasty?
Basal Joint Surgery Recovery Timeline. Recovery and healing typically take at least 4 weeks in a cast (except when bathing). The thumb and hand will feel numb and sore at times, gradually improving as healing progresses.
How is basal joint arthritis treated?
Place ice packs over the joint for about 5 – 15 minutes several times a day.