Thumb arthritis - The thumb rule to tackle it better If you are experiencing irritation in any joint it could be because of arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that can occur at any joint, including the thumb joint or the basal joint.
Thumb arthritis, a type of osteoarthritis, occurs due to the wear and tear of the healthy joint. Wearing of joints and tearing of muscles become more common as one ages. The reason why arthritis is more prevalent among people who are above 40 years and could be observed in women than in men. Restricted motion range and pain are common for any joint that has been affected by arthritis. The treatment focuses on reducing the inflammation, reducing pain, restoring the motion range and movement angle, and medications to get rid of arthritis. Curious to know what exactly happens to the arthritis thumb, what are the reasons behind it, symptoms, treatment and preventive measures? Hold on as this blog lays it down for you all about thumb arthritis. Here is what happens in thumb arthritis: â—?
A joint brings two bones together and the pointy knobs of the bone will be covered by cartilage tissue, providing a cushiony surface for the joint.
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In the case of thumb arthritis, the cartilage tissue wears away, leaving the two bones rubbing with each other causing discomfort, pain, and restricted motion.
What causes thumb arthritis? Wear and tear of the cartilage tissue is the major reason behind thumb arthritis. Certain lifestyles, professions, and health conditions can lead to degeneration of cartilage tissue. ● ● ● ●
People who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis Stress on the thumb joint because of the profession Obesity and sedentary lifestyle Arthritis in old can lead to thumb arthritis
In a few cases, injuries to the thumb joint can impact the cartilage tissue, leading to its wear and tear. It is common in sports personnel and athletes. Symptoms of thumb arthritis Thumb arthritis symptoms are identical to many other arthritis conditions. And, these symptoms might vary person to person and also based on the severity of the condition. ●
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Pain and discomfort whenever applying force on a joint would be the first sign of arthritis at any joint and that is the same case with the thumb. Swelling at the bottom of the thumb, limited motion range, and pointy bone growth at the base of the joint are the other symptoms.
The symptoms can be mild but the aching, tenderness, and pain increases over a period of time if the treatment is not provided. Treatment for arthritis Physical examination is key in the diagnostic process. The doctor will observe the range of motion that is causing the pain. Also the expert will carefully look out for grinding and clicking sound of the bones in the absence of healthy cartilage tissue.
The treatment for thumb arthritis is focused on alleviating the pain and reducing the difficulty in movement and preventing the occurrence of the symptoms. In mild conditions: ● ●
Based on the level of pain, the doctor might brace the thumb and suggests exercise that strengthens the thumb. The medications include steroids and anti-inflammatory combinations to reduce or to subside it. Applying cold or heat packs is another way to reduce the pain.
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Surgical options are practiced when the other treatment options are failed. A surgery is performed to remove the trapezium, the small bone in the joint, to cushion the joint. Another surgical option is fusing the joint altogether. It might reduce the mobility a bit but helps in reducing the pain.
The thumb rule to tackle it better Physical therapy and rehabilitation are common in both conditions. As arthritis is a common condition among the senior population, most of the assisted living facilities and senior living homes house physiotherapists and rehabilitation therapists to address this issue. Arthritis is a progressive condition and timely treatment, medications, besides the suggested physical activities are essential to avoid bothersome symptoms. Assessing and managing arthritis can be a difficult task for seniors as it involves medication management, physiotherapy, and even occupational therapy expertise. If your loved one is living alone and has been diagnosed with arthritis, consider assisted living homes. The well-equipped and staffed wellness centers for seniors help your loved ones manage their condition without any hassle.