Basal Joint Arthritis:
Don’t Lose Your Grip!

The pain caused by basal joint arthritis can be unbearable. It radiates from the base of the thumb and intensifies with gripping motions and pinching motions.

Treatment options for type of joint pain vary depending on the pain and the extent of the damage to the joint. Some people benefit from home remedies, while others require surgery. A proper diagnosis will help determine your best treatment plan.

The carpometacarpal joint or CMC, is frequently called the basal joint, it consists of the metacarpal bone in the thumb and the wrist. Its location ensures that it will receive a tremendous amount of stress. Experts suggest that a pinch of one pound between the index finger and thumb places up to nine pounds of pressure on the basal joint.

With basal joint arthritis the base of the thumb joint, is commonly the joint that is severely affecting, this makes grasping and basic hand functions painful. The thumb is probably the most important digit we have when it comes to our hands functions. With three joints, controlled with muscles and tendons, the thumb has the unique ability for complex movement and rotation.

Educating yourself is always the best option for you. When you learn about the arthritic process, you will learn how to minimize the pain and protect the damaged joint surfaces you already have. You Benefit.

Ligaments and muscles secure the basal joint. This joint, with all its ligaments and the muscles can become inflamed, which will result in pain and swelling. Inflammation of the basal joint is arthritis. There are many different types of joint arthritis, but you will find three are common to this area. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and traumatic arthritis, all can occur at the carpometacarpal joint.

Pain and swelling at the basal joint are the first symptoms you will experience with basal joint arthritis. This includes the thumb and the wrist area. The pain will intensify with pinching motions and griping or grasping motions. Some people also develop a bump on the joint that is outwardly visible. This bump is a result of the metacarpal bone moving as the ligaments begin to stretch.

It's important to accurately diagnosis arthritis in the basal joint. There are specific tests that determine if the joint has loosened and if the cartilage has changed texture. X-rays are also a diagnostic tool.

The treatment for this type of arthritis is dependent on the disease and its symptoms. If a patient is experiencing mild or moderate pain and mild swelling, the treatment plan will include anti-inflammatory medications, isolation or physical therapy, and rest. Splints will support the thumb and wrist.

When the above treatment plan does not offer the patient relief or the symptoms are more developed, the doctor may suggest surgery. Carpometacarpal surgery is very common and several different procedures are available. Fusion surgery fuses the bones of the joint. This assuages the joint and the associated pain. Another type of surgery focuses on inserting material between the two bones to alleviate pain.

It's important to note that ignoring the pain and refusing treatment will only cause the problem to worsen. The arthritis can spread to other parts of the body. Treatments for basal joint arthritis are very successful and offer patients a greatly improved quality of life.









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