Do I Have Arthritis Of The Thumb (Thumb Arthritis)?

Do you have a pain in your thumb?

Do you have a pain at the base of your thumb when you grip, grasp or pinch an object, or use your thumb to apply force, such as turning a key, opening a door, or snapping your fingers?

Do you have swelling and tenderness at the base of your thumb?

Do you feel stiffness in your thumb?

Do you have decreased strength when pinching or grasping objects?

Do you have a limited range of motion at the base of your thumb?

Do you have an aching discomfort after prolonged use of the thumb?

Do you have an enlarged, "out-of-joint" appearance at the base of your thumb?

Do you have a bony prominence or a bump over the joint?

Do you have a family history of arthritis of the thumb?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have arthritis of the thumb. Thumb arthritis is a condition that commonly occurs with aging. Arthritis is a disease that destroys the joint. Arthritis of the thumb affects the joint at the base of your thumb causing the deterioration of the joint cartilage. There are many types of arthritis, but the one that affects your thumb is called osteoarthritis. It is also known as "wear-and-tear" arthritis. Thumb arthritis is more common in women than in men and usually occurs sometime after the age of 40. Thumb arthritis is an inherited disease.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have arthritis of the thumb. The joint at the base of your thumb, near your wrist, is called the carpometacarpal joint. Thumb arthritis is a condition in which the cartilage in the carpometacarpal joint wears out. The carpometacarpal joint allows your thumb to move, so you can grab or squeeze things in your hand. A person with thumb arthritis will have difficulty to turn the key in the lock, or turn a doorknob. People with previous thumb trauma have a higher risk of thumb arthritis. A diagnosis is based on a physical examination and an X-ray.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have arthritis of the thumb. Thumb arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the joint at the base of your thumb. The cartilage in that joint deteriorates over time causing pain and swelling in the joint. Also, thumb arthritis causes a limited range of motion in the joint at the base of your thumb, so a simple task like opening a jar becomes a challenge. Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. In the early stages, thumb arthritis can be treated with painkillers or wearing a splint. In severe cases surgery is required.