Gently exercising your fingers and thumbs with a hand workout can improve their range of motion and decrease arthritis symptoms. It’s one of the best ways to maintain function and independence.
How do I get rid of arthritis in my thumb?
Treatment
- Topical medications, such as capsaicin or diclofenac, which are applied to the skin over the joint.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve)
What triggers thumb arthritis?
Thumb arthritis commonly occurs with aging. Previous trauma or injury to the thumb joint also can cause thumb arthritis. In a normal thumb joint, cartilage covers the ends of the bones — acting as a cushion and allowing the bones to glide smoothly against each other.
Can an arthritic thumb Be Fixed?
Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition (LRTI)
In use for more than 40 years, LRTI is the most commonly performed surgery for thumb arthritis. The damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with a cushion of tissue that keeps the bones separated.
Can exercises help thumb arthritis? – Related Questions
How do I get rid of arthritis in my thumb naturally?
- Hand Exercises.
- Acupuncture.
- Hot and Cold Therapy.
- Splinting.
- Capsaicin Creams.
- Fish Oil.
- SAM-e.
- Meditation.
What is the best treatment for arthritis in the base of the thumb?
For basal joint arthritis, the first line of treatment is generally anti-inflammatory medications and bracing. A brace leaves your wrist free but immobilizes the bottom of your thumb, only allowing the last joint in your thumb to move.
How successful is thumb surgery for arthritis?
The Arthritis Foundation reports that while most patients who undergo this procedure experience pain relief, increased grip strength and improve function, “removal of the trapezium has been known to come with significant complications, including loss of pinch strength and thumb shortening.
How long does it take to recover from thumb arthritis surgery?
Recovering the early movement takes six to eight weeks, but increasing the strength of the thumb pinch can take six months. After surgery, your hand will be painful. Take pain relief medication for the first 48 hours and thereafter, as necessary.
What are the first signs of arthritis in thumb?
What are the symptoms of thumb arthritis?
- Swelling and tenderness at the base of the thumb.
- An ache after prolonged use of the thumb.
- Loss of strength when gripping or pinching with your thumb.
- Limited motion.
What are the stages of thumb arthritis?
Classification
| Table 1. Eaton classification of basilar thumb arthritis7 |
|---|
| Stage | Features on plain radiographs |
|---|
| Stage I | Articular contours normal. Slight widening of joint space on X-ray. |
| Stage II | Slight narrowing of joint space. Osteophytes ≤2 mm. Scaphotrapezial joint normal on X-ray. |
Does a cortisone shot help thumb arthritis?
Cortisone injections
Injection of a long-acting corticosteroid into the thumb basilar joint may provide pain relief for a few months. However, the relief is temporary and the arthritis in the joint will continue to progress.
Why is arthritis in the thumb so painful?
The cartilage cushions the two bones, preventing any friction during movement. In people with thumb arthritis, the cartilage wears away. Without this barrier between them, the two bones rub together. As the bones rub together, they create friction and damage the joint, causing pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.
Is heat or cold better for thumb arthritis?
For an acute injury, such as a pulled muscle or injured tendon, the usual recommendation is to start by applying ice to reduce inflammation and dull pain. Once inflammation has gone down, heat can be used to ease stiffness. For a chronic pain condition, such as osteoarthritis, heat seems to work best.
Does Voltaren help thumb arthritis?
Voltaren helps alleviate joint pain due to arthritis in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, and knees. Apply Voltaren gel to the skin over the affected part of the body.
Does drinking water help arthritis?
Staying hydrated is vital when you live with arthritis. Hydration is key for flushing toxins out of your body, which can help fight inflammation, and well-hydrated cartilage reduces the rate of friction between bones, meaning you can move more easily.
Does massage help thumb arthritis?
Studies have shown that having a professional hand massage just once a week, and doing self-massage once a day, may help reduce the pain associated with many conditions, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neuropathy.
What can I rub on my hands for arthritis?
For starters, rub some Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel on your hands at the first sign of symptoms. It’s the first and only OTC gel to contain an NSAID, a powerful medicine for joint pain due to arthritis.
