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.
Can you reverse arthritis in your thumb?
While there is no cure for arthritis in your thumb, there are various simple treatments that can help relieve symptoms for many people. Talk with a doctor or physical therapist about which treatments might work best for you.
What causes thumb arthritis to flare up?
The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain.
Can anything be done for 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.
Should you exercise arthritic thumb? – Related Questions
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.
What is stage 4 thumb arthritis?
Stage IV: All the components of stage III along with destruction of the scaphotrapezial joint. At this stage the CMC joint is usually fixed and some patients may have little to no pain. Treatment: In early stages, stage I and sometimes stage II, con- servative treatment should be considered.
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.
How successful is thumb arthritis surgery?
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.
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. |
How do you test for arthritis in your thumb?
One thumb arthritis test that many healthcare professionals perform involves holding the base of the thumb and moving the digit around. If the patient complains of pain, or if the movement produces a grinding sound, which is known as crepitus, thumb osteoarthritis is likely.
What does basal thumb arthritis look like?
The first thing you may notice is swelling and pain in the joint of the thumb, accompanied by aching and tenderness and loss of strength. There may also be a visible growth or bump at the joint as the result of bone spurs. A physical examination by the doctor will confirm this diagnosis.
How do you live with arthritis in the thumb?
At-home treatment for thumb arthritis pain
Using a heating pad for five to 15 minutes a few times a day. Some people prefer ice to relieve their pain. Try them both to see what works for you. Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and/or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (such as Advil®).
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.
Which is better for arthritis ice or heat?
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 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.
Is Voltaren good for arthritis?
Voltaren contains an effective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine which is clinically proven to relieve arthritis joint pain. With 4-times-a-day use, you may start to feel relief within a few days. You should feel significant pain relief within 7 days of continuous use.
