Thumb Pain and Basal Joint Arthritis Care Close to Home
Many patients in Blairsville experience thumb pain that worsens with age or daily activity. Fortunately, specialized care is available just a short drive away in Dawsonville. At Specialty Orthopaedics, board-certified orthopedic hand surgeon Dr. Thomas Neustein provides advanced evaluation and treatment for thumb arthritis, also known as basal joint arthritis. His Dawsonville office offers both conservative and surgical options for this very treatable condition, helping patients regain comfort, motion, and grip strength.
Why Patients Travel from Blairsville for Thumb Arthritis Care
Patients often travel from Blairsville to Dawsonville because Dr. Neustein focuses exclusively on hand, wrist, and upper extremity surgery. When thumb arthritis occurs, expert evaluation makes all the difference. Many people live for years with discomfort at the base of the thumb, unaware that specialized treatment options exist nearby. In Dawsonville, patients receive personalized care that targets the true cause of pain rather than simply masking symptoms.
Understanding Basal Joint Arthritis
Thumb arthritis, sometimes called basal thumb arthritis, affects the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint where the thumb meets the wrist. This is the small saddle-shaped joint that allows the thumb to move in multiple directions—essential for gripping, pinching, and performing simple tasks. As cartilage wears down, the bones rub together, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. The condition most often affects adults over 40 and is the second most common type of arthritis in the hand after wrist arthritis.
Why Thumb Arthritis Develops
Thumb arthritis usually develops gradually. The smooth surface of cartilage that allows the joint to glide easily becomes rough and thin. Over time, the bones grind together, forming bone spurs and causing pain at the base of your thumb. This process is called osteoarthritis. It can occur after previous injuries, prolonged use, or simply with aging. Other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory arthritis, may also cause damage to the joint. Thumb arthritis occurs more commonly in women and in people with a genetic predisposition to joint wear.
Common Symptoms of Basal Joint Arthritis
The most common symptom is aching or sharp pain at the base of the thumb during gripping, twisting, or pinching motions. Other symptoms include swelling, tenderness, and a grinding sound within the joint. Patients often describe a gritty feeling or a sense that the thumb catches when moving. As the condition progresses, the thumb develops limited motion, and simple tasks such as opening jars, writing, or buttoning clothing become difficult. The thumb may appear weak or deformed at the joint where the thumb meets the wrist.
Early Diagnosis and Physical Examination
Early evaluation helps prevent further joint damage. During your visit in Dawsonville, Dr. Neustein performs a detailed physical examination to assess swelling, alignment, and stability. He checks for pain when the thumb is moved in specific directions and evaluates how well the joint supports gripping activities. X-rays provide a clear view of the metacarpal bone, trapezium bone, and ends of the bones forming the joint. These studies show whether the arthritic joint space has narrowed or collapsed. Identifying the stage of arthritis guides the next steps in treatment.
Conservative and Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Many patients achieve relief without surgery through conservative treatments. These include taking anti inflammatory medications, using supportive splints worn overnight or during activity, and applying heating pads to soothe the joint. Rest and activity modification reduce irritation, while hand therapy can strengthen the surrounding tendons. When used consistently, these methods often provide excellent pain relief for mild to moderate arthritis. They also help limit movement that strains the joint while allowing continued use of the hand.
Other Treatments to Provide Relief
If basic measures are not enough, other treatments may help control pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections can reduce swelling and provide months of comfort. Some patients benefit from bracing designed to support the base of the thumb while maintaining motion. Custom orthoses, therapy programs, and ergonomic aids can reduce daily strain on the joint. In addition, heat and ultrasound therapy can improve flexibility and circulation, helping the joint glide easily and recover from flare-ups.
When Thumb Surgery Becomes the Best Option
When pain persists despite conservative care, hand surgery may be recommended. Thumb arthritis surgery focuses on removing the arthritic joint and reconstructing the thumb for stability and motion. The most common procedure removes the trapezium bone, the small bone at the base of your thumb that causes pain when it rubs against the metacarpal bone. This procedure removes the damaged surfaces and eliminates the source of grinding and inflammation. In most cases, patients experience excellent pain relief and regain the ability to perform daily tasks comfortably.
Surgical Options for Basal Joint Arthritis
Modern thumb surgery offers several techniques depending on the severity of the arthritic joint. Ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) uses a small tendon to create a soft cushion between the two bones, allowing smooth motion. In other cases, a CMC joint replacement with an artificial implant can recreate the joint’s smooth surface. Both techniques aim to reduce pain and restore pinch strength. These outpatient procedures typically allow patients to return home the same day with a supportive splint.
What to Expect After Surgery
After surgery, the thumb is immobilized in a protective splint or cast to allow healing. Rehabilitation begins with gentle range-of-motion exercises before progressing to strengthening. Most patients notice steady improvement each week. Dr. Neustein and his team guide patients through recovery with follow-up visits to ensure the bones and tendons heal properly. With time, most patients achieve excellent pain relief, restored grip, and confidence in performing daily tasks again.
Living with Limited Thumb Motion
Even after surgery or advanced therapy, some patients may still have thumb limited motion. Fortunately, the thumb carpometacarpal joint adapts well, and small changes in movement rarely affect function. Adaptive tools such as jar openers, writing grips, and ergonomic utensils help maintain independence. Most patients find that, after recovery, the thumb occurs smoothly through its natural range, and pain is dramatically reduced or gone altogether.
Long-Term Results and Prevention
Basal joint arthritis is a chronic condition, but with proper care, symptoms can be managed indefinitely. Avoiding forceful repetitive pinching, maintaining healthy hand strength, and seeking early treatment can prevent flare-ups. Patients who undergo surgery often enjoy lasting relief, improved pinch strength, and renewed hand function. Over time, the arthritic joint remodels, allowing the bones to glide smoothly without pain.
Why Blairsville Patients Trust Specialty Orthopaedics Dawsonville
Dr. Thomas Neustein is a fellowship-trained orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon who treats all forms of hand and wrist arthritis. Many Blairsville patients choose Dawsonville for care because they know they’ll see a surgeon who specializes exclusively in the hand. From non-surgical treatments to advanced ligament reconstruction, every patient receives personalized, high-quality care. This focused approach ensures better outcomes, faster recovery, and complete confidence in the treatment plan.
Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Living
If you live in or near Blairsville and are experiencing thumb pain, swelling, or stiffness at the base of your thumb, help is close by. Dr. Neustein offers expert evaluation and treatment for basal joint arthritis at his Dawsonville office. With advanced surgical and non-surgical options, most patients experience significant improvement in function and comfort. Don’t let thumb arthritis limit your daily life - schedule an appointment today to learn how this very treatable condition can be managed effectively.
