Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Pain in the base of the thumb, often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, can swiftly evolve into a major hindrance, affecting numerous daily activities we take for granted. From simple tasks like gripping a pen to twisting open a jar, a well-functioning thumb is essential in our everyday lives. 

Yet, when pain strikes, it can disrupt these activities, limiting our ability to function optimally. Therefore, seeking proper treatment for thumb pain is necessary to restore normalcy in daily life. In this article, we discuss thumb arthritis, otherwise known as Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis—and explore its symptoms, causes, and various treatment options.

Understanding Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis

Carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis, commonly called CMCJ osteoarthritis, is a form of hand arthritis. This degenerative ailment affects the joint at the base of the thumb. The joint, known as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, connects the thumb to the hand. 

CMCJ Osteoarthritis is due to the gradual wear of the cartilage padding the ends of the bones. The resulting symptoms include pain, stiffness, and diminished functionality within the joint.

Symptoms

The symptoms of CMCJ osteoarthritis can vary from person to person, including:

1. Pain: Persistent pain at the base joint of the thumb, particularly during gripping or pinching movements.
2. Stiffness: Difficulty moving the thumb, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
3. Swelling: Swelling and tenderness around the base of the thumb joint.
4. Weakness: Weakening of the thumb muscles, making it difficult to execute tasks that require strength or precision.
5. Decreased range of motion: Limited ability to move the thumb in all directions, affecting daily activities such as writing, grasping objects, or opening jars.

Causes

Several factors contribute to the development of CMCJ osteoarthritis, including:

1. Age: As people age, the cartilage in their joints naturally begins to deteriorate, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
2. Genetics: Some patients may be genetically predisposed to developing osteoarthritis.
3. Joint injury: Previous injuries or trauma to the thumb joint can accelerate the breakdown of cartilage and lead to osteoarthritis.
4. Overuse: Repetitive movements or activities that place excessive stress on the thumb joint, such as repeated gripping or twisting motions, can contribute to joint wear and tear.
5. Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop CMCJ osteoarthritis, especially after menopause, possibly due to hormonal changes.

Treatment for CMC Osteoarthritis

While there is no cure for CMCJ osteoarthritis, several treatment options can help manage symptoms of this hand arthritis. 

Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with CMCJ arthritis.

Splinting

Wearing a splint or brace on the thumb can provide support and stability, reducing strain on the joint and relieving pain during activities. Splinting may be particularly beneficial during periods of rest or while sleeping.

Physical therapy

A physical therapist can customise an exercise programme to strengthen the muscles surrounding the thumb joint, improve flexibility, and enhance overall hand function. Range-of-motion exercises and therapeutic techniques help alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Injections

Corticosteroid directly injected into the affected joint can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation. These injections may be recommended for individuals whose hand arthritis have not responded to other conservative treatments.

Joint protection

Modifying activities and using assistive devices, such as ergonomic tools or padded grips, can help reduce stress on the thumb joint and minimise further damage. Practising proper hand and wrist ergonomics can also help prevent worsening of symptoms.

Surgery

In severe cases of CMCJ osteoarthritis that have had little to no success with conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options include joint reconstruction, arthroplasty (joint replacement), or joint fusion to alleviate pain and restore function.

Autologous Fat Transplantation To Arthritic Joint

We offer this option and work closely with the plastic surgeons who will harvest the fat cells from the abdomen prior to this procedure. This is an alternative that can be particularly effective for early-stage basal joint osteoarthritis of the thumb. It has low invasiveness and allows for early recovery of patients compared with classical procedures such as trapeziectomy. The long-term results compared with other injection therapy makes this approach feasible as a first-line therapy in early-stage basal joint osteoarthritis of the thumb.

Hand arthritis treatment in Singapore

CMCJ osteoarthritis can impair your hand function and quality of life, but getting it diagnosed and treating it can help you manage symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle. 

Spire Orthopaedic Centre specialises in diagnosing and treating hand arthritis, including CMCJ osteoarthritis. Our experienced orthopaedic surgeons and therapists work together to personalise your treatment according to your needs. We can support you with conservative and surgical methods, providing comprehensive care to improve hand function and enhance quality of life.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of CMCJ osteoarthritis or have concerns about hand arthritis, schedule a consultation with one of our specialists at Spire Orthopaedic Centre.