Does arthritis in thumb go away?
Outlook. 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. A CRP test may be used to diagnose inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
What causes cartilage loss in thumb?
Degenerative arthritis means that your cartilage wears down as you age. This type of arthritis in your thumb is the second most common type of arthritis in your hand and the most common kind of thumb arthritis. Other conditions like Lupus or Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause your joints to break down.
How do you fix arthritic thumbs?
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. To accomplish this, surgeons remove all or part of the trapezium bone in the wrist at the base of the thumb.
Can you lose cartilage in your thumb?
Signs you may have arthritis in your thumb
The symptoms of thumb arthritis can limit your hand function and make everyday tasks difficult. “When osteoarthritis causes the cartilage to wear away, the shock- and impact-absorbing function of the cartilage is lost,” Dr. Shapiro says.
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. |
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.
When is surgery needed for thumb arthritis?
If you don’t respond to other treatments or if you’re barely able to bend and twist your thumb, your doctor might recommend surgery. Options include: Joint fusion (arthrodesis). The bones in the affected joint are permanently fused.
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.
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.
Can thumb arthritis come on suddenly?
Depending on the type of arthritis, symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually over time. Symptoms may come and go, or persist over time.
Is thumb joint surgery painful?
Following surgery, the thumb is padded and a splint is applied to promote healing. You may experience some discomfort and swelling. Your doctor will recommend some pain medication to help. Keeping the hand elevated above your heart can also help relieve the symptoms.
How long is recovery from thumb arthritis surgery?
The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and you will go home the same day. After surgery, your thumb will be placed in a cast for three to four weeks, followed by a plastic splint for four to six weeks. Typically, it takes between six and eight weeks to regain full movement in your thumb.