what helps arthritis pain in thumb

Common Causes

Treatment

• Medications. The medications used to treat arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Therapy. Physical therapy can be helpful for some types of arthritis. ...
• Surgery. Joint repair. ...

Related Conditions

• Allow several months of regular use before evaluating effectiveness. ...
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• Shop according to brand and reputation, not price. ...
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What are the most effective methods of arthritis pain relief?

Treatment options and prevention for thumb arthritis

• Pain medications. People who are experiencing pain from thumb arthritis may benefit from various pain medications. ...
• Applying heat or cold to the joint. ...
• Reducing or modifying movement of the thumb. ...
• Steroid injections to the joint. ...
• Surgery to repair or replace the joint. ...

What are the best pain pills for arthritis?

Short answer: My personal pick is Corganics – because it had the best features in my case:

• effect comes up really fast
• relief lasts longer than in most creams
• really affordable

How to fix arthritis in thumb?

What is the best arthritis relief cream?

How do I get rid of arthritis pain in my thumb?

TreatmentIce the joint for 5 to 15 minutes several times a day.Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help reduce inflammation and swelling.Wear a supportive splint to limit the movement of your thumb, and allow the joint to rest and heal.

Why is arthritis in the thumb so painful?

The cartilage cushions the two bones, preventing any friction during movement. In people with thumb arthritis, the cartilage wears away. Without this barrier between them, the two bones rub together. As the bones rub together, they create friction and damage the joint, causing pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.

How do I get rid of arthritis in my thumb naturally?

Hand Exercises, Acupuncture, Hot and Cold Therapies, Splinting, and MoreHand Exercises.Acupuncture.Hot and Cold Therapy.Splinting.Capsaicin Creams.Fish Oil.SAM-e.Meditation.More items...•

Does arthritis in thumb go away?

You may have to get part of your joint removed and have it rebuilt. Your doctor will do this by using a part of your tendon or an artificial option. Thumb arthritis will wear down your joints more as you age.

Will a brace help thumb pain?

Thumb braces can provide support to people who have pain in their thumbs. A thumb brace can help alleviate pain, increase stability, and take the stress off the joint. People with arthritis may wear a thumb brace if this area of the hand has become affected.

Does Vicks Vapor Rub help arthritis?

Vicks VapoRub is said to provide relief when your joints ache from overuse, injury or arthritis. The camphor does the hard work here as an analgesic that soothes nerve endings and relieves joint pain. You simply massage it directly into the skin around the joints that are causing discomfort.

What's the best painkiller for arthritis?

NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.

How do I lubricate my joints?

Lubricate. Joints have juices, lubricating fluids that allow your joints to move with more ease and less stress. To activate those juices, start your exercise routine with a gentle 5-10-minute warm-up and gradually increase your effort. Another good way to self-lube is water, water and more water.

Is Squeezing a ball good for arthritis?

Ball exercises They help increase flexibility and improve strength. Such exercises include: Full grip: Perform this exercise a couple of times each week, with a few days of rest in-between. Squeeze a stress ball in the hand as hard as possible.

How do you slow down arthritis?

Slowing Osteoarthritis ProgressionMaintain a Healthy Weight. Excess weight puts additional pressure on weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. ... Control Blood Sugar. ... Get Physical. ... Protect Joints. ... Choose a Healthy Lifestyle.

How to help arthritis in thumb?

Exercise for your thumbs. Your doctor or a physical therapist may recommend hand exercises . You can do these exercises to improve range of motion and improve your arthritis symptoms. Simple exercises can include a thumb stretch, in which you attempt to touch the tip of your thumb to just under your pinky finger.

What is the best treatment for thumb arthritis?

Possible surgeries for thumb arthritis include: Trapeziectomy: One of your wrist bones involved in the thumb joint is removed. Osteotomy: The bones in your joint are moved and aligned correctly. They may be trimmed to remove excess growth. Joint fusion: The bones in the joint are fused.

What is the best splint for thumb pain?

Super splints. Your doctor or physical therapist may recommend a splint for your thumb, especially at night. A thumb splint may look like a half glove with reinforcing material inside. Wearing this splint can help decrease pain, encourage the correct position for your thumb, and rest the joint.

How long does a thumb splint last?

This type of splint is sometimes called a “long opponens” or “thumb spica” splint. Splinting is often done continuously for three to four weeks. Then, the splint is worn some of the time, either at night or during certain daily activities that may strain the joint.

Why do my thumbs creak?

By the creaking of my thumbs …. Osteoarthritis in the thumb is the most common form of arthritis that affects the hands. Osteoarthritis results from the breakdown of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. It can affect the basal joint, which is the joint near the wrist and the fleshy part of the thumb. This joint normally allows you ...

What is the best medication for arthritis?

Prescription medications. Prescription medications for arthritis include COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib (Celebrex) and meloxicam (Mobic). Tramadol (Ultram, Conzip) may also be prescribed.

What is the best pain medication?

OTC medications that can help with pain include acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and supplements. OTC NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).

What is the treatment for thumb arthritis?

Treatment generally involves a combination of medication and splints. Severe thumb arthritis might require surgery.

What causes arthritis in the thumb?

Obesity. Certain hereditary conditions, such as joint ligament laxity and malformed joints. Injuries to your thumb joint, such as fractures and sprains. Diseases that change the normal structure and function of cartilage, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Although osteoarthritis is the most common cause of thumb arthritis, ...

What is the pain of the thumb?

Thumb arthritis is common with aging and occurs when cartilage wears away from the ends of the bones that form the joint at the base of your thumb — also known as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint. Thumb arthritis can cause severe pain, swelling, ...

What happens when you rub your thumb?

The bones then rub against each other, resulting in friction and joint damage. The damage to the joint might result in growth of new bone along the sides of the existing bone ...

How to tell if your thumb is swollen?

Other signs and symptoms might include: Swelling, stiffness and tenderness at the base of your thumb. Decreased strength when pinching or grasping objects. Decreased range of motion. Enlarged or bony appearance of the joint at the base of your thumb.

Can arthritis of the thumb cause arthritis?

Thumb arthritis commonly occurs with aging. Previous trauma or injury to the thumb joint also can cause thumb arthritis. In a normal thumb joint, cartilage covers the ends of the bones — acting as a cushion and allowing the bones to glide smoothly against each other. With thumb arthritis, the cartilage that covers the ends ...

Can arthritis affect thumb joints?

Although osteoarthritis is the most common cause of thumb arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the CMC joint, usually to a lesser extent than other joints of the hand. Activities and jobs that put high stress on the thumb joint. By Mayo Clinic Staff.

Is It Arthritis In My Hand Or Tendonitis

Arthritis and tendonitis can mimic each other, so its important to understand the difference between the two. Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons in your hand due to an injury or repetitive motion, and the pain can come and go suddenly or last for a few days.

How Are The Hands And Wrists Structured

There are 27 small bones that make up each hand and wrist. Eight of those bones are in your wrist. Each finger has three bones, and the thumb has two. There are five bones in the palm of your hand, connecting each finger and the thumb with the wrist.

Surgical And Nonsurgical Treatments For Arthritis Of The Thumb

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and cartilage loss within the joint. There are several types of arthritis. The most common typeosteoarthritis, or wear-and-tear arthritisoccurs commonly in the joint at the base of the thumb, where the thumb meets the wrist.

Simple Ways To Manage Hand Osteoarthritis

When osteoarthritis affects your hands, everyday activities such as opening jars and using a cell phone can be difficult. Arthritic joints in the hands or wrists may be painful, stiff, and weaker than normal. Thankfully, there are many ways to help manage this condition.

Consider Topical Pain Medication

Over the counter gels, balms, creams, or patches are ideal for hand joints, which lie just below the skin. Regardless of how they are applied, most topical arthritis pain relievers fall into these categories:

Staying Physically Active Despite Hand Arthritis

Your doctor will tell you and probably has already that staying physically active is an important part of managing arthritis. In fact, according to a study of 5,715 adults with arthritis over age 65, a lack of regular, vigorous physical activity doubled the risk of functional decline.

Who Gets Thumb Arthritis

Arthritis of the thumb basal joint is very common. The base of the thumb is the second most common site for arthritis of the hand; only the knuckles out near the tips of the fingers are affected more often.

What is the best surgery for arthritis in the thumb?

In most cases, surgery for thumb arthritis involves removing some or part of trapezium (a bone in the thumb joint) with varying ways of stabilizing the joint.

How to diagnose arthritis in thumb?

To make a diagnosis of thumb arthritis, your doctor will start by gathering your medical history, discussing symptoms, prior injuries, and what activities cause you pain. For the physical examination, your doctor will hold the basal joint while rocking your thumb back and forth, Dr. Luo says.

What is the second most common type of arthritis in the hand?

Arthritis refers to inflammation in a joint, causing the pain, stiffness, and swelling that makes it so difficult to perform even simple tasks. Thumb arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis in the hand.

Why is thumb important?

You may not think much about your thumb—after all, it’s a digit and not even a finger—but it plays an important role in your everyday life. You use your thumb to grasp and pinch objects, open jars, play the guitar, dress yourself, operate tools, and perform countless other tasks.

Is thumb arthritis more common in women?

It is more common in women, but it can affect men, too. There is a genetic predisposition that makes people more likely to develop thumb arthritis. “Thumb arthritis is unbelievably common, and if we look at the X-rays of people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, 30 to 50 percent of that population can have it,” Dr. Luo says.

What is the best treatment for basal thumb arthritis?

Another treatment method for basal thumb arthritis is a minimally invasive ( arthroscopic) CMC joint replacement, which replaces the damaged CMC joint with an artificial joint made of plastic or metal parts. An LRTI is considered a better solution than a CMC joint replacement because it uses tissue from your own body.

What causes pain in the thumb?

Because your CMC joint enables your thumb to swivel, pivot, grip and pinch, basal thumb arthritis causes pain when making just about any thumb motion. Tasks such as opening a jar or turning a key can be especially painful. Common symptoms of basal thumb arthritis include: 1 Pain or loss of strength when gripping or pinching 2 Swelling or tenderness around the joint 3 Limited range of motion in the thumb 4 Aching or discomfort after prolonged use

How to tell if your thumb is arthritis?

Common symptoms of basal thumb arthritis include: Pain or loss of strength when gripping or pinching. Swelling or tenderness around the joint. Limited range of motion in the thumb. Aching or discomfort after prolonged use.

Why does my thumb rub against my bones?

When bones lose their cartilage cushioning, they begin to rub against each other. This causes friction that leads to joint damage. Arthritis at the base of the thumb often is attributed to osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition that causes the cartilage within your CMC joint to wear away with everyday use.

What is LRTI in hand surgery?

During an LRTI procedure, the hand surgeon removes the arthritic joint surfaces and replaces them with a “cushion” made of a small piece of tendon that’s taken from your forearm through a tiny incision. This tendon helps keep the bones in your CMC joint separated so they don’t rub together when you move your thumb.

What is the pain at the base of the thumb called?

If you experience this pain, you may have arthritis at the base of your thumb, also called basal thumb arthritis. What’s key is that you don’t have to “just deal with it.”. This condition is treatable through conservative management, and in advanced cases, surgery.

How long do you have to wear a thumb splint after surgery?

After surgery, you will have to wear a thumb splint for 4-8 weeks, depending on what surgical procedure is used. Once you’re done with the splint, a progressive physical therapy program helps you regain mobility and strength in your hand. Call 1-888-847=8823 to schedule a consultation with a Virtua hand surgeon. Updated November 7, 2019.

How to help arthritis pain in hands?

The following exercises are easy to perform and can help with your arthritis pain: 2. Make a fist: Start with your fingers straight and then slowly bend your hand into a fist. Make sure your thumb is on the outside of your hand. Don’t squeeze too tightly, then straighten again.

How to do thumbs up?

Thumbs up: Have your hand in a loose fist with the pinky side of your hand on a table. Then point your thumb to make the thumbs up sign, put it down, and repeat. Finger lifts: With your hand laying on a flat surface, lift each finger one by one. Repeat the sequence for both hands.

What are the symptoms of arthritis in the fingers?

Hand Therapy. Surgery. Arthritis of the fingers can be quite uncomfortable, causing symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. These symptoms make hand motions like grasping and pinching difficult, which restricts a person's ability to perform everyday tasks.

Why do my fingers swell?

With arthritis, the fingers can become swollen due to the inflamed synovial membrane. The three most common sites where osteoarthritis happens in the hand include: The trapeziometacarpal or basilar joint: The base of the thumb. The distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint: The joint closest to the fingertip.

How to strengthen cartilage in hand?

The muscles supporting the joint of your hand can be strengthened, and hand exercises can help with that. Exercise increases blood flow to cartilage, bringing it the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and prevent further breakdown. 1 Also, the stronger your muscles are, the more weight they can handle. The bones in your joints carry less weight, as a result, and your damaged cartilage is better protected.

What causes tenderness in the middle of the finger?

Tenderness. OA sometimes causes Heberden’s nodes, bony nodules at the end joint of the finger, and Bouchard’s nodes, bony nodules at the middle joint of the finger. People with RA can also experience warmth and redness in the hands in addition to the symptoms listed above.

Can NSAIDs slow the progression of arthritis?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended to treat arthritis symptoms because of their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory qualities. NSAIDs can't slow the progression of arthritis, but it can help treat pain and inflammation. You can purchase a number of NSAIDs over the counter, but some are only available as prescriptions.

Make A Few Wardrobe Changes

Minor changes to your wardrobe can reduce strain on your hands, helping to ease your overall pain and stiffness. For example, try wearing:

What Are The Symptoms Of Basal Thumb Arthritis

Because your CMC joint enables your thumb to swivel, pivot, grip and pinch, basal thumb arthritis causes pain when making just about any thumb motion. Tasks such as opening a jar or turning a key can be especially painful. Common symptoms of basal thumb arthritis include:

Simple Ways To Manage Hand Osteoarthritis

When osteoarthritis affects your hands, everyday activities such as opening jars and using a cell phone can be difficult. Arthritic joints in the hands or wrists may be painful, stiff, and weaker than normal. Thankfully, there are many ways to help manage this condition.

Reducing Or Modifying Movement Of The Thumb

Some with thumb arthritis may experience a reduction of symptoms by resting their thumb regularly since the use of the thumb can aggravate damage and inflammation. Your physician may recommend wearing a supportive splint to reduce motion of the thumb and allow the joint to heal. Splints may be worn just at night or during the day and night.

Where Does Your Thumb Hurt

Thumb joint problems can make every day activities challenging. To discover whats causing your thumb pain its important to understand where on your thumb it hurts, when you feel the pain and how often you feel it. The following information can help you learn why your thumb hurts and give you answers on what to do about it.

Heat And Cold Modalities

Warmth is often effective in temporarily relieving the stiffness and pain of basal joint arthritis. Warm water or a heating pad can be used at home, being careful not to burn the skin. However, if the joint is swollen and inflamed, a cold pack is a better choice.

How To Treat The Gripping Pain Of Thumb Arthritis

You probably dont think about it, but your thumbs help you do many things like text, turn knobs, grip steering wheels and carry bags. Since you use your thumbs in nearly every hand movement, thumb pain can be especially disabling.