Thumb arthritis is one of the most common causes of hand pain in adults, often making it difficult to bend, grip, or rest the hand comfortably. This condition develops when the cartilage that cushions the thumb joint wears away, exposing the arthritic bone surfaces to direct contact. Over time, the joint becomes inflamed, swollen, and painful. The thumb may even shift out of alignment, making simple activities like turning keys or opening jars difficult.
Dr. Thomas Neustein, a fellowship-trained orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon, provides advanced thumb arthritis surgery in Atlanta for patients seeking long-term pain relief and restored function. His Duluth office serves the North Metro Atlanta area and attracts patients from across the city who are looking for a great doctor who explains their condition in clear, helpful terms. Trained at Emory University and the Philadelphia Hand and Shoulder Center, Dr. Neustein combines advanced surgical techniques with personal care—making the short drive north from Atlanta well worth it.
Understanding Thumb Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Thumb arthritis, also known as carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis, is a form of osteoarthritis that occurs when the smooth cartilage between the thumb and wrist bones becomes worn. This joint acts as a powerful shock absorber and pivot point for gripping and rotating the hand. When the cartilage deteriorates, friction develops between the bones, leading to stiffness, weakness, and chronic pain.
Patients often describe aching pain at the base of the thumb that worsens with use and improves with rest. As the arthritis progresses, the pain may radiate into the wrist or forearm, and the thumb may lose stability. Many patients also develop a visible bump or deformity at the base of the thumb.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain and swelling at the base of the thumb
- Weakness when trying to grip or pinch objects
- Grinding or popping sensations
- Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- Difficulty bending or straightening the thumb
Risk Factors and Related Hand Conditions
Several factors increase the risk of developing thumb arthritis, including age, repetitive motion, and previous injury. Women are more commonly affected than men, and those with a family history of arthritis may develop symptoms earlier.
Thumb arthritis can also coexist with other upper extremity conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s disease, or elbow tendonitis. A comprehensive evaluation by a fellowship-trained hand specialist ensures that all contributing issues are addressed together for the best possible care.
Diagnosis and Consultation
During the consultation, Dr. Neustein performs a detailed physical examination of the thumb, wrist, and hand to assess swelling, deformity, and motion. He often orders X-rays to confirm cartilage loss and alignment problems.
As a skilled physician, he takes time to explain the diagnosis and treatment options thoroughly. Patients consistently describe him as helpful, compassionate, and highly detail-oriented—someone who explains every step of the process.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Early-stage arthritis can often be managed with non surgical treatments. These nonsurgical treatment options help relieve pain and preserve hand function:
- Thumb splinting or bracing to rest and stabilize the joint
- Anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling
- Heat or ice therapy to ease pain and stiffness
- Hand therapy exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve motion
- Ergonomic adjustments and activity modification to avoid strain
These treatments can relieve pain and slow progression, though they cannot reverse cartilage damage. When symptoms persist despite conservative care, surgical intervention is the most effective way to restore function and relieve pain.
Advanced Surgical Procedure: Thumb CMC Arthroplasty
For advanced arthritis or when non surgical treatments fail, Dr. Neustein performs thumb CMC arthroplasty, a precise surgical procedure that removes the arthritic bone and reconstructs the joint using tendon transfer and suture button suspensionplasty. This modern approach stabilizes the thumb and relieves pain while preserving motion and strength.
The surgery involves removing the damaged bone at the base of the thumb and replacing it with soft tissue from a nearby tendon, creating a flexible cushion. The thumb is then stabilized using a small internal suspension button system that holds it in place as the tissues heal.
This advanced surgical technique restores function and strength, reduces stiffness, and allows faster recovery compared to traditional ligament reconstruction or joint replacement.
Benefits of Dr. Neustein’s Suture Button Suspensionplasty Technique
This procedure provides several long-term advantages for patients seeking pain relief and natural movement:
- Relieves pain and pressure caused by bone-on-bone arthritis
- Restores motion and improves strength for gripping and lifting
- Reduces swelling and stiffness
- Shorter recovery compared to older techniques
- Stable, durable fixation with long-lasting results
- Excellent cosmetic appearance and smaller incision
Dr. Neustein’s approach minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues, helping patients recover quickly while achieving outstanding functional outcomes.
The Surgical Experience and Postoperative Care
Thumb arthroplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure under regional or general anesthesia. The surgery typically takes about one hour. Afterward, the thumb is protected in a splint to allow healing.
Dr. Neustein and his team provide detailed instructions for wound care and rehabilitation. Keeping the surgical incision clean, reducing swelling, and allowing adequate rest are key during the first few weeks. Ice, elevation, and gentle motion exercises help reduce inflammation and maintain flexibility in the fingers and wrist.
Recovery and Hand Therapy
After surgery, structured hand therapy begins to help restore motion and strength. Dr. Neustein partners with certified hand therapists to develop personalized recovery plans for each patient. The thumb is gradually strengthened to restore grip, coordination, and endurance.
Most patients return to light activities within four to six weeks and regain full function in three to four months. With proper care, long-term outcomes are excellent.
Long-Term Results and Function Restoration
Patients who undergo thumb CMC arthroplasty often experience complete pain relief and a dramatic improvement in function. The joint remains stable and mobile, allowing patients to bend, twist, and perform fine motor activities comfortably.
The surgery provides durable pain relief while restoring the ability to grip and pinch. Many patients say they wish they had done it sooner, as they can return to hobbies, work, and everyday life without discomfort.
Comprehensive Hand and Upper Extremity Care
In addition to thumb arthritis surgery, Dr. Neustein treats a full range of hand and upper extremity conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s disease, nerve injuries, and elbow tendon disorders. His expertise in hand surgery allows him to identify related issues that may affect outcomes and to treat them at the same time if needed.
His practice emphasizes patient education, open communication, and careful coordination between surgeon, therapist, and staff. The result is efficient recovery, clear expectations, and consistent outcomes.
Why Atlanta Patients Choose Duluth
Many patients from northern Atlanta communities such as Brookhaven, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs choose to travel to Dr. Neustein’s Duluth office because of his specialized training, detailed approach, and reputation for excellence. The environment is welcoming, the staff is helpful, and patients receive direct contact with their surgeon—not a rotating group of providers.
As a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in the hand and upper extremity, Dr. Neustein offers the best care for complex arthritis, nerve injuries, and joint reconstruction. Patients appreciate the convenience, compassion, and expertise his practice provides, describing his entire staff as kind, attentive, and professional.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are struggling with thumb arthritis pain or loss of motion, it may be time to explore your treatment options. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomas Neustein in Duluth to learn more about modern surgical techniques for thumb CMC arthroplasty and other advanced hand procedures.
Get the relief you deserve from a fellowship-trained hand surgeon who combines technical excellence with compassionate care—helping you heal, regain strength, and restore confidence in your hands.
