Thumb arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis of the hand. When the cartilage that cushions the base of the thumb wears away, the affected joint becomes painful, stiff, and unstable. For many people in Gainesville and across North Georgia, this condition makes everyday tasks—like opening jars, gripping a pen, or turning a key—very difficult. Fortunately, both non-surgical and surgical procedures are available to relieve pain and restore function.
Understanding Thumb Arthritis
Thumb arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the basal joint (also called the carpometacarpal or CMC joint) breaks down. Over time, wear and tear arthritis, inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis from an injury can cause significant swelling, stiffness, and loss of function. In severe cases, the arthritic joint may even become unstable.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the risk of developing arthritis of the hand, including overuse injuries, traumatic injuries, genetics, and inflammatory conditions. Women over 50 are especially prone to thumb arthritis due to hormonal and ligament changes. Calcium deposits, bone spurs, and inflamed synovium can also contribute to limited mobility and ongoing pain.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The most common symptoms include pain at the base of the thumb, swelling, and decreased grip strength. Patients may also experience nerve pain, limited mobility, and difficulty performing daily tasks. In more severe cases, deformity of the thumb joint and severely damaged surrounding ligaments may develop.
When to Seek Treatment
If you are experiencing pain that interferes with daily life, it is important to see an orthopedic specialist. X-rays are often used to evaluate the severity of the condition. Early cases may be managed with conservative care, but non surgical treatment fails to provide lasting relief in many patients with advanced disease.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Before considering surgery, non-surgical treatment is often recommended. Options include:
- Activity modification to reduce stress on the affected joint.
- Wrist braces or splints to stabilize the thumb.
- Anti-inflammatory medications or pain medications to reduce discomfort.
- Steroid injections to reduce swelling and provide temporary relief.
- Physical therapy with a licensed physical therapist to strengthen the hand and wrist.
These approaches can provide relief, but if the arthritis continues to progress, surgery may be the best choice.
Different Surgical Procedures for Thumb Arthritis
When non surgical treatment fails, thumb arthritis surgery eliminates the source of pain and restores stability. Several different surgical procedures may be considered depending on the severity of joint damage:
- Joint reconstruction (arthroplasty): Damaged bone and tissue are removed, and the joint is reconstructed with a tendon transfer or artificial implant.
- Ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition: Soft tissue is used to replace the worn cartilage and stabilize the joint.
- Joint replacement: Artificial implants, including new ceramic implants or older silicone rubber joints, may be used in some patients.
- Fusion (arthrodesis): The bones of the thumb are fused together, resulting in stability but loss of motion.
- Surgical removal of bone spurs or inflamed synovium in select cases.
Each procedure is tailored to the patient’s age, activity level, and overall health.
What to Expect After Surgery
Following thumb arthritis surgery, patients are typically placed in a postoperative splint to protect the joint and surrounding ligaments. A structured rehabilitation program is essential to help the joint reconstruction heal properly. Hand therapy focuses on restoring motion, reducing stiffness, and strengthening the hand and wrist. Most patients require a gradual return to normal activities over several weeks to months.
Recovery and Long-Term Results
The goal of surgery is relieving pain, restoring function, and providing lasting relief. With proper care and adherence to a rehabilitation program, patients can return to everyday tasks without significant limitations. In severe cases of more severe joint damage or failed previous arthroplasty, revision surgery may be considered.
Related Hand and Wrist Conditions
Thumb arthritis often occurs alongside other upper extremity conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, or trigger thumb. Patients with arthritis of the hand may also develop overuse injuries, tendon repair needs, or other sports injuries. Addressing all contributing factors ensures the best long-term outcome.
Why Choose Dr. Neustein for Thumb Arthritis Surgery in Gainesville
Dr. Thomas Neustein is a board-certified orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon with extensive experience in orthopaedic surgery and hand surgery. Trained at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Neustein offers advanced surgical procedures and individualized treatment options for patients in Gainesville and throughout North Georgia. His approach emphasizes both non surgical treatment and surgical care when needed, ensuring every patient receives the best path toward restoring function.
Schedule a Consultation in Gainesville, GA
If you are struggling with thumb arthritis and experiencing pain that interferes with your daily activities, effective solutions are available. Whether you need conservative care, steroid injections, or thumb arthritis surgery, Gainesville patients can trust Dr. Neustein for comprehensive care. Call today to schedule an appointment and learn how upper extremity surgery can help you return to normal activities with less pain.
