Thumb osteoarthritis is a deteriorating condition, so many people are forced to opt for thumb joint replacement. However, many people are unaware of non-invasive alternate methods for delaying or avoiding thumb joint replacement surgeries. In Medica Stem Cells Clinic, we offer treatment methods that may help you avoid the invasive method of thumb joint replacement with non-invasive therapies for thumb osteoarthritis. Let us know first what thumb osteoarthritis is before we proceed with the non-invasive methods.
How thumb osteoarthritis occurs?
Compared to the other fingers, the thumb is distinctive because it can rotate more on its own at the carpometacarpal joint (CMC joint). CMC joint is situated at the bottom of the thumb, and it is commonly known as a basal joint. The thumb joint is held together inside a joint capsule that is filled with synovial fluid. This synovial fluid acts as a lubricant for the smooth movement of the thumb. Thumb osteoarthritis usually occurs in the CMC joint. In the case of thumb osteoarthritis, the cartilage of the CMC joint deteriorates, and the easy movement of one bone over the other gets hampered. Hence, in this degenerative arthritis condition, the bones rub with one another, and a lot of friction is caused. Lastly, this friction leads to the damage of joints and bones. And the synovial membrane that produces synovial fluid and gets inflamed. In a severe condition, there will be a loss of the cushioning effect. Hence, it’ll lead to the grinding between the bones. Eventually, due to the prolonged grinding, there will be a change in the joint shape. Women and elders above the age of 65 are at high risk of developing thumb osteoarthritis.Signs of thumb osteoarthritis
The most common sign of thumb arthritis is basal joint pain. The thumb gets worsened due to continuous movement, swelling, and stiffness around the region of the basal joint. Hence, there will be difficulty in gripping objects using the thumb. Heal thumb osteoarthritis by conventional treatment There are multiple forms of conventional therapies, like corticosteroid injections, RICE (Rest, Ice therapy, Compression, and Elevation) therapy, and prescribing NSAIDs (administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), e.g. ibuprofen. However, these can only provide momentary relief from inflammation and pain. Also, consuming NSAIDs for an extended period can create many problems like damage to the kidney, gastrointestinal problems, and cardiovascular problems. Accordingly, prolonged usage of steroid injections can lead to a heart attack or stroke. As a final solution to thumb osteoarthritis, the damaged thumb joint can be removed with the help of surgery. As a follow-up of surgery, a pad of tissue can be replaced. Therefore, it will aid in keeping the bones separated, and there won’t be any friction and damage. Hence, the bones will not rub with each other. Undergoing surgery will create many complications. The thumb will look very prominently shorter after the surgery.
