Anyone who suffers from arthritis in the thumb knows how irritating and debilitating it can be. We have compiled a guide to help you understand what is CMC arthritis or thumb arthritis, its causes and symptoms, as well as a list of our support aids, and best thumb splints for thumb arthritis to help manage your discomfort. 

 

Thumb arthritis is when the cartilage of the carpometacarpal or CMC joint wears away and becomes inflamed and swollen, resulting in pain and discomfort. This makes simple tasks like writing, typing, gripping or picking up objects difficult.

 

 

You may not expect it, but your thumb plays an important role in your everyday life. In 50% of all hand functions, the thumb is involved. You use your thumb to grasp objects, drive your car, open jars, dress yourself, operate tools, etc. When you are experiencing pain in your thumb, it becomes very difficult to use your hand.

 

 

 

What is Arthritis of the thumb?

Arthritis at the base of the thumb is one of the most common areas of arthritis. This is the CMC joint, located where the metacarpal (thumb bone) meets the carpal (wrist bone).

A healthy joint is covered by a smooth surface that glides when the thumb moves. As we get older, this CMC joint wears out and breaks down. The cartilage, that keeps your joints lubricated - so they can move without friction and pain - becomes thinner and no longer moves smoothly over the bone. This triggers osteoarthritis to develop, causing pain, swelling and less strength at the base of the thumb.

 

What are the symptoms of Thumb Arthritis?

• Pain at the base of the thumb - Experiencing pain in the thumb pad or base of the thumb, where the hand meets the wrist - is often the first and most common symptom. The pain can occur in different forms:

·      Dull pain

·      Constant ache

·      Sharp pain that hurts when you use the thumb

 

• Pain or weakeness when grasping, gripping or pinching (with your thumb and index finger) f.i. zipping up a jacket, turning a key or opening a jar.

• Inflammation and stiffness at the base of the thumb is another sign of thumb arthritis.
• Limited range of motion - As thumb arthritis advances, weakness may increase with a loss of mobility at the base of the thumb resulting in poor function of the hand and limiting your range of motion.

• Enlarged & bony-looking thumb joint - as the arthritis progresses even further, bone spurs may develop, resulting in a bump of the metacarpal or collapse deformity that becomes more and more prominent.

 

Who’s at risk of Thumb Arthritis?

With roughly 300,000 cases in Australia, thumb arthritis is a fairly common condition. There are many risk factors known to boost the threat of arthritic development:

1. Women are at greater risk. Base-of-thumb osteoarthritis affects up to 1/3 of women over the age of 70. Women are 4 times more likely to contract thumb arthritis compared to men.

2. Post-menopausal women, over the age of 40.

3. Overweight people are at greater risk to develop thumb arthritis.

4. Genetic disposition can be a prevalent risk factor

5. Previous injuries – sprains and fractures – to the thumb joint

6. Underlying health conditions that affect your thumb joints

7. Tasks and jobs that put a lot of stress to the thumb joint

 

Find out about aids and equipment that can make everyday tasks easier. Learn ways to protect your hands and manage your symptoms.

 

How can Thumb Arthritis be treated?

Thumb arthritis can often be treated and managed without a surgical intervention. The aim is to restore thumb functionality by treating pain and improving stability, strength and mobility.

Supports and braces

Specialists recommend the use of thumb splints and/or thumb braces for patients with osteoarthritis of the CMC joint. A thumb brace will help restrict the movement of the thumb and prevent you from using your thumb. That way, it will relieve the pain and support the joint.

Exercises

Specific hand exercises provided by your physiotherapist are designed to improve range of motion in the hand and help with your arthritic symptoms. Even simple thumb exercises or stretches are proven to be very beneficial.

Hot Compresses & Cold Packs

When applying a hot compress, it can alleviate stiffness by relaxing your soft tissues and increasing circulation, while applying a cold pack on the area can decrease inflammation and swelling. Both tactics may assist in decreasing the pain and improving mobility in the joint.

Medication or Topical Creams

To help alleviate pain, your doctor may suggest some over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers. Or secondly, topical pain relief gels or creams can also be very effective in reducing pain and helping regain hand function.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best Thumb Braces & Thumb Arthritis Support Aids

  

Thumb Brace – Push Ortho If you're looking for a thumb splint to help you with relief from swelling and pain from CMC Thumb Arthritis, this Thumb Brace by Push Ortho may be the perfect option for you. This comfortable brace provides excellent targeted support to the base of the thumb to relieve pain, without limiting motion in your hand. This orthopaedic thumb brace optimises function in the hand, making gripping and fine motor movements pain-free and simple. It works by taking the strain off of your wrist joints, and nerves, reducing irritation, pain and swelling. The perfect thumb arthritis aid to help with your recovery.

Thumb Brace – Push Sports This Push Sports Thumb Brace is the perfect protection for painful thumbs that are stricken by arthritis. If you think your thumb needs stabilisation and support during sport activities, this is the thumb brace for you. Working to stabilise your thumb and offload pressure, this thumb splint will help reduce pain and prevent further ligament damage. This thumb support brace is especially suitable for the active user. To enhance comfort, the back of this brace is made with a soft material and ensures a snug fit so it will stay in place to support you where you need it most. Breathable and lightweight, this brace will provide you with relief from your symptoms pretty much anywhere.

Hand Exerciser for Thumb Arthritis Try to strengthen your muscles and relieve stiffness and pain by using a hand exerciser. Our Eggserciser by Magister is designed to provide effective resistive therapy by gently squeezing the hand exerciser.   This can improve your grip strength, increase mobility and dexterity.

Soft Compression Arthritis Gloves  Some people find relief of thumb osteoarthritis with arthritis compression gloves. The fingerless gloves are made to reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. They can gradually improve blood circulation and with that improve mobility in your hands.

Jar opener for arthritic thumbs This handy kitchen device effortlessly opens jars, cans and bottles by giving you extra grip. It is a prefect user-friendly aid for arthritis sufferers.

Jar opener for Arthritic Thumbs This can opener is a great ergonomic solution to open cans without having to do anything.  This automatic opener is suitable for weak arthritis hands. Just press the button and the device will do the rest!

>>>> SHOP MORE THUMB ARTHRITIS SUPPORT AIDS

 

 

Conclusion

 

The thumb is one of the joints most frequently affected by arthritis. Thumb-base osteoarthritis can significantly limit hand function. A thumb splint can help stabilising a thumb affected by arthritis. By taking the pressure off the CMC joint, you can rebuild strength in your thumb and stay active, fighting off the worst effects of arthritis.

 

Other helpful aids are also available to cope with the discomfort and pain of thumb arthritis. Check them out!

 

 

About Bettercaremarket

Bettercaremarket is your leading supplier of healthcare essentials and your #1 destination for quality incontinence supplies, mobility equipment, independent living aids for seniors, disability aids, rehab and therapy products and medical supplies.

We help NDIS-participants, aged care facilities, home care package providers, occupational therapists and allied health providers find the best solutions to solve their needs.