How to Prevent Fracturing Your Wrist
Most wrist fractures happen in seconds — but recovery can take months. Are you at risk? Keep reading to learn how to protect yourself and what to do if you think you’ve broken your wrist.
4 Ways to Slow the Progression of Arthritis in Your Thumb
If you have thumb arthritis, you probably know it’s incurable, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have questions, like:
- Will it keep getting worse?
- Is there anything I can do to slow it down?
- Do I have to accept pain and stiffness for life?
The good news is that even though you can’t reverse thumb arthritis, you can take steps to reduce stress on the joint and help preserve function over time.
At Central Jersey Hand Surgery, one of the most common questions we hear is, “What can I do now to keep this from progressing?” Although every case is different, these four strategies can make a big difference.
1. Protect the joint from repetitive stress
Your thumb works harder than you may realize.
Almost every grip, pinch, twist, and squeeze relies on the basal joint at the base of your thumb. Over time, repetitive strain can accelerate wear and tear on an already arthritic joint.
That doesn’t mean you should stop using your hand. It simply means being more mindful of how you use it.
Whenever possible:
- Use larger joints or both hands for difficult tasks
- Avoid prolonged pinching motions
- Use ergonomic tools designed to reduce hand strain
- Take breaks during repetitive activities
Small adjustments can significantly reduce the daily stress placed on the joint.
2. Consider splinting when symptoms flare
Splints aren’t only for injuries; they can be helpful for thumb arthritis.
A properly fitted thumb brace supports your joint, limits excessive motion, and reduces the forces that contribute to irritation and inflammation.
Some people wear a splint during activities that aggravate symptoms. Others find relief by wearing one at night.
The goal isn’t to immobilize your thumb forever. It’s to give the joint periods of rest and protection when it needs them most.
3. Keep the surrounding muscles strong
When a joint becomes painful, it’s natural to use it less.
Unfortunately, that can lead to weakness in the muscles that help support the thumb and hand.
Targeted hand therapy exercises may help maintain strength, improve stability, and reduce some of the strain placed directly on the arthritic joint. The stronger the surrounding muscles, the better they can support everyday hand function.
That’s why we often recommend a combination of joint protection strategies and hand therapy rather than relying on rest alone.
4. Address symptoms early instead of waiting
This may be the most important tip of all.
Many people wait until thumb arthritis becomes severe before seeking treatment. They push through the pain and hope it will improve on its own.
Unfortunately, ignoring arthritis just worsens it.
The earlier you address your symptoms, the more options you typically have for managing them. Your treatment may include:
- Activity modification
- Splinting
- Hand therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
Taking action early may help you stay active and comfortable longer while potentially delaying the need for more advanced interventions.
When should you see a hand specialist?
If thumb pain is interfering with everyday activities like opening jars, turning keys, writing, texting, or gripping objects, it’s worth scheduling an evaluation.
You don’t have to wait until the pain becomes severe.
At Central Jersey Hand Surgery, we work with patients at every stage of thumb arthritis — from early symptoms to advanced cases requiring surgical treatment. Our goal is always to help you maintain as much comfort, strength, and function as possible.
If thumb arthritis is starting to affect your daily life, call Central Jersey Hand Surgery in Eatontown, Toms River, or Freehold, New Jersey, to schedule an appointment. Together, we can develop a treatment plan that helps protect your joint and keep your hands working their best for years to come.
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