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Basal Joint Arthritis: Exploring Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Options

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Basal joint arthritis, also known as thumb arthritis, can cause significant pain, stiffness, and functional limitations in the thumb joint. When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, individuals may consider surgical or non-surgical options. In this article, we will explore both treatment approaches for basal joint arthritis, including their benefits, considerations, and potential outcomes. Non-Surgical Treatment Options: 1. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen are commonly used to manage pain and reduce inflammation associated with basal joint arthritis. These medications can provide temporary relief, but they do not address the underlying cause of the condition. 2. Splinting and Bracing: Wearing a splint or brace can offer support and stability to the thumb joint, reducing pain and limiting movement. These devices can be particularly helpful during activities that aggravate symptoms. However, splinting is a conservative measure that d

Living with Basal Joint Arthritis: A Comprehensive Guide

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Introduction: Basal joint arthritis, also known as thumb arthritis, can significantly impact an individual's daily life. Managing the pain, stiffness, and limitations caused by this condition requires a comprehensive approach. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to living with basal joint arthritis, including strategies for pain management, maintaining functionality, and improving overall quality of life. 1. Understanding Basal Joint Arthritis: Begin by understanding the nature of basal joint arthritis, its causes, and how it affects the thumb joint. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms and potential triggers to better recognize and manage them. 2. Seek Medical Guidance: Consult with a healthcare professional experienced in treating hand conditions. They can provide an accurate diagnosis, answer questions, and offer tailored advice based on your specific situation. 3. Pain Management Strategies: a. Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetamino

Understanding Basal Joint Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Introduction: Basal joint arthritis, also known as thumb arthritis, is a common condition that affects the joint at the base of the thumb. This condition can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty in performing everyday tasks that involve thumb movement. In this article, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for basal joint arthritis to help individuals gain a comprehensive understanding of this condition. Causes of Basal Joint Arthritis: Basal joint arthritis typically develops over time due to wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the joint. Some common causes include: a. Aging: As individuals age, the cartilage in the basal joint can deteriorate, causing arthritis to develop. b. Joint Overuse: Repetitive thumb movements, such as gripping and pinching, can lead to joint overuse and increase the risk of developing arthritis. c. Genetics: Certain genetic factors can predispose individuals to develop basal joint arthritis. d. Injury or Trauma: A previous i

Basal joint arthritis of the thumb

The carpometacarpal joint of the thumb is the second most common site of arthritis in the hand. Patients in whom conservative treatment fails benefit from surgical intervention, although no consensus exists as to the best method to provide maximum pain relief and functional outcomes. The pathophysiology of carpometacarpal arthritis is loss of the integrity of the palmar oblique ligament, which allows for dorsal subluxation of the metacarpal on the trapezium. Most treatments revolve around resection or replacement of the arthritic carpometacarpal joint and restoration of the palmar oblique ligament. A critical appraisal of the current evidence-based research offers no guidance in treatment in the early stages of carpometacarpal arthritis; however, several evidence-based studies exist for more advanced stages. Although these studies exhibit limitations in regard to validated outcomes, power analysis, and blinded assessment, their conclusions question the clinical benefits of ligamen

Thumb Arthritis: This Joint Pain Is More Common Than You Think

This condition can cause many problems for sufferers, including loss of grip and, of course, a great deal of pain. But what are its causes and is there a remedy? Thumb arthritis usually occurs after the age of forty and is more common in women than in men. The first symptom of thumb arthritis is usually pain experienced at the base of the thumb when gripping an object or when applying force - say to turn a key or open the lid of a jar. This form of osteoarthritis can make these simple household tasks difficult as it limits the strength and range of motion of the thumb. Other symptoms may include swelling, stiffness and tenderness at the base of the thumb, decreased strength when grasping objects, enlarged appearance or a 'bony' look to the base of the thumb and general discomfort and aching after use. The exact cause of this condition is unknown (in common with osteoarthritis generally) but the following factors are thought to contribute to its development: Being female Ha

Arthritis Pain Relief Gloves Fit Snuggly And Offer Ease In Movements

Arthritis is a debilitating condition that is faced by millions of people around the world. It can occur anywhere in the body and can be challenging. Arthritis causes uneasiness and difficulty in doing simple tasks that were once taken for granted. Hand is regarded as the most energetic and versatile body part with thumb as its hardest working figure. If your job includes repetitive use of thumb and fingers then it is probable that after a long period, the thumb or finger joints may wear out causing basal joint arthritis . This can also occur, if you had an injury to the wrist, broken bone or sprain, which has the potential to shoot wrist arthritis. Swelling or cracking in the finger joints along with pain, after a task is concluded is the beginning sign of arthritis. A report shows that people, who have reached their mid-seventies with about 80% men and 90% women, are suffering from hand osteoarthritis . Even though there is no treatment for osteoarthritis the primary aim is to

Arthritis Without Pain: The Miracle of TNF Blockers

Book Description Arthritis Without Pain is a publication about a long-awaited breakthrough for arthritis pain --— a category of drugs called TNF blockers. The miracle of TNF blockers is this: they work. Nearly two of every three patients who try these medications get lasting relief from joint pain and inflammation. Known as biologic DMARDs, these high-tech drugs inhibit the action of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein that contributes to joint damage associated with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Arthritis Without Pain examines the science behind the TNF blockers Enbrel®, Remicade® and Humira™, offers practical advice for their use, and explores the real-life experience of patients who take them. Written by noted Dallas rheumatologist Scott J. Zashin, M.D., in collaboration with healthcare writer Laurie Hesser, Arthritis Without Pain gives patients the knowledge to take charge of their arthritis, move past the pa