Causes and risk factors
The cartilage covers the joint i.e. the ends of the bone [trapezium and first metacarpal] and helps them glide over each other smoothly. Wear and tear of the cartilage leads to friction of bones causing arthritis of the joint. It can also lead to formation of new bone called bone spurs. Thumb arthritis is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, people who have work which has a lot of stress on the thumb like writers, females above40 years, hereditary cause.
Clinical picture
Main symptom of thumb arthritis is pain. Pain at the base of the thumb while using it such as holding a pen, pinching etc., restriction of movement of thumb, Swelling stiffness, tenderness, decreased strength of thumb joint, enlarged bony outgrowth at the base of thumb.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the orthopedic doctor helps in diagnosis. X ray of the thumb will help to elicit degeneration of joints. Blood tests like CRP or RA factor will help to rule out rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
Treating the underlying cause if any will help in reducing the symptoms. Symptomatic treatments like analgesics or NSAIDS help in reducing the pain and swelling. Doctors may advise use of a splint to restrict movement and rest of the joint, steroid injections give temporary relief and help reduce inflammation; surgical intervention like arthroplasty or arthrodesis is recommended in severe cases which do not respond to any other treatment.
Alternate mode of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating thumb arthritis. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivatives are also found to be effective in treating thumb arthritis.
