The thumb is considered to be the most important finger in the hand. The joint of the thumb is made up of carpal or wrist bone and the first bone of the thumb. This joint is subjected to a great amount of stress because it is very near the wrist and under the fleshy part of the thumb. The thumb must be strong enough to counteract the force of the other four fingers put together. The joint is held in its spot by the ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint. Any disruption to the supporting ligaments will lead to pain and swelling of the thumb. Arthritis is very common in this joint, therefore, arthritis in the thumb is very common and very painful because of its location on the body.

Types Of Thumb Arthritis

There are three basic types of arthritis in the thumb. The first arthritis in the thumb is called osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis. The second arthritis in the thumb is called rheumatoid arthritis and the third is traumatic arthritis which is generally due to a fracture in the joint. The symptoms of any of these types of arthritis in the thumb are pain and swelling at the thumb and wrist areas. This pain is most notable when grasping or pinching. This arthritis in the thumb may appear first thing in the morning but then disappear after the thumb has loosened up. But unfortunately, this type of pain will return at the end of the day as a dull aching after vigorous use. A bump may appear at the joint due to the shifting of the base, as the ligaments loosen up while swelling. Only a doctor's examination will determine accurately whether this pain is due to arthritis in the thumb at the joint. X-Rays will help the doctor to determine the severity of the disease.

Treatment

Treatment of arthritis in the thumb depends on the symptoms and the stage of the disease. Some arthritic thumbs may be relieved with an aspirin. Anti-inflammatory drugs are also used to lessen the severity of the pain and there are also fabricated splints which can help support the joint area. Education is very important at this point as the arthritis sufferer can learn how to minimize the use of the damaged joint area. The more severe forms of arthritis in the thumb may require surgery to provide relief. Any sort of stiffness and pain in the thumb should be examined and evaluated by a physician immediately so there is not any loss of functionality with the thumb.