Carpometacarpal osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear arthritis affecting the joint at the base of the thumb, where it meets the wrist.

It's caused by gradual cartilage wear at the thumb's base joint, often related to age, genetics, and repetitive use.

Symptoms include pain at the base of the thumb, swelling, reduced grip and pinch strength, and sometimes visible joint prominence.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam and X-rays showing joint space narrowing or bone spurs at the thumb base.

Yes, it's one of the most common forms of hand arthritis, especially in women over 40.

Treatment can include splinting, activity modification, anti-inflammatory measures, and injections, with surgery considered for severe cases.

Surgery may be considered when pain and disability are significant despite conservative treatment.

Options include joint reconstruction procedures or, less commonly, joint fusion, depending on individual factors.

Recovery can take several weeks to a few months, including immobilization and rehabilitation.

Yes, a thumb splint can help support the joint and reduce pain during daily activities.

Yes, corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief for some people.

Yes, pain and joint changes commonly reduce both grip and pinch strength.

Yes, it's notably more common in women, particularly after menopause.

Yes, it commonly affects both thumbs, sometimes to different degrees.

Yes, activities involving pinching or gripping, like opening jars or turning keys, often increase pain.

Yes, therapists can suggest joint protection techniques and adaptive tools for daily tasks.

In more advanced cases, a bony prominence or 'squaring' at the base of the thumb can become visible.

Splinting helps manage symptoms but doesn't reverse or necessarily prevent progression of the underlying joint wear.

Yes, X-rays are commonly used to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity.

Many people manage symptoms effectively with conservative treatment for years, though some eventually need surgery.

It often involves removing part of the damaged joint and using nearby tissue to help stabilize the thumb.

Yes, in select cases, fusing the joint can provide pain relief while sacrificing some motion.

Yes, thumb pain and weakness can make these fine motor tasks more difficult.

Yes, modifying or avoiding particularly painful activities can help manage symptoms.

Both can be helpful; heat may ease stiffness while ice can help with acute flare-ups.

Yes, symptoms can vary with activity level and may have periods of flare-up and relative calm.

Yes, advanced cases can lead to visible changes in the thumb's position and appearance.

Therapy can help with strengthening surrounding muscles and joint protection strategies.

Many people experience good pain relief and functional improvement after surgery, when appropriately indicated.

Thumb pain can sometimes interfere with comfortable sleep, especially during flare-ups.

Yes, using adaptive techniques or tools to reduce stress on the thumb joint can help manage symptoms.

Yes, activities that put pressure through the thumb, like certain exercises, can increase discomfort.

Yes, people with carpometacarpal osteoarthritis often have or develop arthritis in other hand joints as well.

Yes, some people find wearing a splint at night helpful for reducing morning pain and stiffness.

Yes, your doctor may assess grip and pinch strength as part of evaluating the severity of your condition.

Since it's related to natural joint wear and genetics, complete prevention isn't always possible, though joint protection may help delay progression.

This depends on the specific surgical technique used and will be discussed with your surgeon.

While more common with age, it can occur in younger individuals, particularly with prior joint injury or significant repetitive strain.

Yes, morning stiffness that improves with movement is a common symptom.

They can sometimes occur together, as both are more common with age and repetitive hand use, though they are distinct conditions.

Yes, a hand specialist can help accurately diagnose and guide appropriate treatment.

Yes, a supportive brace can often help people continue many work activities more comfortably.

Some people do need treatment on both thumbs over time, though this varies by individual.

Yes, pinch strength, which relies heavily on this joint, is often notably affected.

Some change in appearance is possible, particularly with certain reconstruction techniques, though function is typically the primary goal.

Yes, with appropriate joint protection and modification, most daily tasks can continue.

Numbness isn't a typical symptom of this condition and should be evaluated further if present.

Yes, regular follow-up helps monitor symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.

Some splints are designed to allow continued use of the hand for many activities while still providing support.

See a doctor if you have persistent thumb pain that affects your grip or daily activities.