Thumb (Basal Joint) Arthritis

What is thumb (basal joint) arthritis?

Thumb (basal joint) arthritis is a degenerative condition affecting the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint at the base of the thumb, where the thumb meets the wrist. This joint allows the thumb its wide range of motion, including pinching and gripping. Over time, the cartilage that cushions the bones within the joint can wear down, causing the bones to rub against each other. This leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased strength.

Basal joint arthritis is one of the most common forms of hand arthritis, particularly prevalent in adults over the age of 40. Symptoms often worsen gradually and may include aching at the base of the thumb, difficulty opening jars, pain with pinching motions, and visible enlargement or deformity at the joint as the condition progresses.

What causes thumb arthritis?

Thumb arthritis is most commonly caused by age-related wear and tear on the joint. Repetitive thumb use over many years can gradually break down cartilage, increasing stress on the joint surfaces. Certain risk factors can make an individual more likely to develop basal joint arthritis, including genetics, previous thumb injuries such as fractures or ligament damage, and occupations or hobbies that require frequent gripping or pinching.

Hormonal factors may also play a role, which is why thumb arthritis is more common in women than men. Additionally, joint instability caused by weakened or stretched ligaments can contribute to uneven joint loading, accelerating cartilage degeneration.

How is thumb arthritis treated?

Treatment for thumb arthritis is highly individualized and depends on the severity of symptoms, activity level, and degree of joint damage. In many cases, symptoms can be managed effectively with conservative, non-surgical treatments. These may include activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and the use of custom thumb splints to stabilize the joint and reduce stress during daily activities.

Your Central Jersey Hand Surgery provider may recommend corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. Hand therapy can also play an important role by improving strength, maintaining mobility, and teaching joint-protection techniques. At Central Jersey Hand Surgery, the goal of treatment is to relieve pain, improve function, and slow the progression of arthritis whenever possible.

Will my thumb arthritis require surgery?

Not all cases of thumb arthritis require surgery. Many patients experience significant relief with non-surgical treatments, especially when the condition is diagnosed early. However, surgery may be recommended when pain persists despite conservative care or when arthritis severely limits hand function.

Surgical options for thumb arthritis are designed to relieve pain, restore stability, and improve overall hand use. Procedures may involve removing damaged joint surfaces, reconstructing ligaments, or stabilizing the joint using advanced techniques. Your provider at Central Jersey Hand Surgery carefully evaluates each patient to determine whether surgery is appropriate and, if so, which procedure offers the best long-term outcome.

To schedule an appointment with the team at Central Jersey Hand Surgery, call the office or request an appointment online today.