Osteoarthritis of the thumb joint

OA or osteoarthritis is a common chronic condition that can involve one or more joints of the wrist, thumb, and fingers. It can occur with aging and involves a loss of articular cartilage through mechanical loading and inflammation and subsequently, a loss of joint space between the bones.

A common site of OA development is between the bones that form the joint at the base of the thumb, the trapezium and the 1st metacarpal bone.

As the condition develops, you might begin to feel pain and stiffness at the base of the thumb, particularly with certain motions such as pinching or squeezing.

A physiotherapist might suggest a splint to be worn to provide some external stability to help reduce pain and prevent deformity at the joint. These splints are usually worn only at night, during flare ups or during heavy or repeated activities involving the thumb.

A common misconception with arthritis is that exercise can further damage the joint. Exercise and movement are often some of the best things you can do for joint health, and a physiotherapist can work with you to ensure you are moving and loading the joint in a manner that is safe and beneficial for the health of your joints.