It usually starts small. Opening a jar feels harder. Turning a key takes more effort. Then one day, pinching or gripping sends a sharp reminder through the base of your thumb.
Thumb arthritis — also called basal joint arthritis — is one of the most common forms of hand arthritis. It develops when the cartilage at the base of your thumb wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of strength over time.
At Central Jersey Hand Surgery, patients often ask the same question: Is it time for a cortisone injection?
The answer depends on your symptoms, how much they’re affecting your daily life, and what you’ve already tried.
Cortisone injections reduce inflammation inside your joint. When inflammation is driving your symptoms, these injections can provide relief.
You may be a good candidate if your pain has moved beyond occasional discomfort and started interfering with everyday activities. Many patients describe a deep, aching pain at the base of the thumb that flares with use, especially when gripping, pinching, or twisting.
Another common sign is stiffness that doesn’t seem to improve with rest. If your thumb feels tight or limited, especially in the morning or after activity, inflammation may be playing a larger role.
You could also experience some swelling or tenderness around the joint. Even light pressure can feel uncomfortable, and tasks that once felt automatic now require extra effort or avoidance altogether.
If over-the-counter medications, bracing, or activity changes are no longer giving you enough relief, a cortisone injection may be the next logical step.
A cortisone shot is a quick, in-office treatment that delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected joint.
The goal is simple: calm the inflammation, reduce pain, and improve function.
Some patients feel relief within a few days. For others, it takes a little longer. The results can last for weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the arthritis and how your joint responds.
It isn’t a permanent fix, but it can create a valuable window of relief, allowing you to move more comfortably and return to daily activities.
Cortisone injections are widely used and generally considered safe, but like any medical treatment, they aren’t completely without risk.
The most common side effects are mild and temporary. You might experience soreness at the injection site or a brief increase in pain before the medication takes effect.
With repeated injections, there is a potential for weakening of nearby tissues or further joint changes over time. That’s why these injections are typically spaced out and used thoughtfully — not as a constant, long-term solution.
Certain patients may need to avoid cortisone injections or use caution, including those with uncontrolled diabetes or active infections near the injection site. A thorough evaluation helps determine what’s appropriate for you.
Not everyone needs a cortisone shot right away. In many cases, conservative treatments can still provide significant relief.
These may include:
At Central Jersey Hand Surgery, we tailor treatment plans to the individual. The goal is always to start with the least invasive option that still provides relief.
If your pain becomes persistent, severe, and resistant to nonsurgical treatments, we may recommend surgery.
This is typically not the first step, but rather the next step when other treatments no longer provide adequate relief.
Procedures for thumb arthritis are designed to relieve pain, restore function, and improve quality of life. The specific approach depends on the joint’s condition and your individual needs.
For many patients, the decision to move forward with surgery comes after trying options like bracing, therapy, and injections without lasting success.
Thumb arthritis can be frustrating, especially when it starts interfering with the simple things you rely on every day.
The key is not waiting too long to address it. Whether that means trying a brace, considering a cortisone injection, or exploring more advanced treatments, having a clear plan makes all the difference.
To learn more about your options, call Central Jersey Hand Surgery in Eatontown, Toms River, or Freehold, New Jersey. A personalized evaluation can help you move forward with confidence and with less pain.
