Osteoarthritis of the thumb
What is it?
Osteoarthritis is a wear and repair process and a commonly affected joint is the thumb. It can cause joint pain with limitation of movement, which may affect daily activities. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting approximately 9 million people in the UK.
Versus Arthritis have produced a summary of ‘What is Osteoarthritis?’ please click on the video below to watch:
In osteoarthritis we see changes to the cartilage of the joint as well as other secondary changes such as inflammation. Cartilage helps our joints move freely. Changes to the cartilage can lead to pain, stiffness, and loss of movement. This can in time lead to weakness around the muscles of the joint.
It most commonly affects people older than 45 and is more common if you are overweight, have a family history of it, or have previously injured the joint in question. Osteoarthritis has varying degrees on functional limitation and effect on quality of life. Contrary to popular belief it does not affect everyone as you get older and does not necessarily get worse with age.
Causes of thumb osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis in the carpometacarpal joint (CMC joint) at the base of the thumb is the most common cause of pain in this area. The CMC joint is formed where the metacarpal bone of the thumb meets the trapezium bone of the wrist.
Due to the movement required at the base of the thumb, you rely on your ligaments and bony structures to maintain stability. Injury or overuse can place high loads through the base of the thumb and lead to joint changes. A good point to remember is that any pressures placed through the tip of the thumb during pinching activities are multiplied by around twelve times through the CMC joint.
Symptoms of thumb osteoarthritis
Pain is the primary symptom associated with thumb osteoarthritis. Initially, pain is present with movement or activity (e.g. turning a key, opening a door, lifting a cup). In some cases of osteoarthritis pain may be present even during inactivity or rest. Other symptoms of thumb arthritis include:
- Difficulty gripping objects
- Swelling, stiffness, or tenderness at the base of the thumb
- Enlarged appearance and altered posture of the CMC joint
- Limited range of motion
Treatment of thumb osteoarthritis
Early osteoarthritis of the thumb can be effectively managed using non-surgical treatment options. These treatments aim to reduce the pain caused by wear and tear of the joint:
- Pain relief
- Exercise
- Splinting
- Joint protection
Simple painkillers
Painkillers like paracetamol will ease the pain, but need to be taken regularly in order to control the pain. Always follow the instructions on the packet.
Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can help with swelling, and therefore help you move more freely. Topical (applied directly on the affected body area) anti-inflammatories are recommended initially. Follow the instructions on the packet and discuss using them safely with a pharmacist, especially if you have any underlying health conditions
However, you should not take ibuprofen for 48 hours after an initial injury as it may slow down healing.
Up to date guidelines can be found on the NHS website:
Other medicines can help to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. You should discuss this with your GP if the simple pain relief advice does not help or if you are needing to take ibuprofen for more than 10 days.
Ice or heat therapy
Heat may be helpful for stiff and painful joints by resting your hand on a covered hot water bottle or microwaved wheat pack, or moving your hand in a bowl of warm water.
Do not use heat therapy on a joint that is hot and swollen as this will make it worse. Instead consider ice therapy to ease pain and swelling
For ice therapy use a damp cloth containing an icepack (or bag of frozen peas) over the top of the painful area to help numb the pain. Leave it on for up to 20 minutes and use up to 3 times a day.
- You should be cautious using these treatments if you have altered skin sensation or circulatory problems.
- Check the skin regularly during and after the ice pack application
- Stop if there is excessive pain, numbness or tingling
- Do not put ice directly on to the skin as this may cause a burn.
Exercises
National guidance states that simple exercise to strengthen muscles around the base is helpful in the early stages. The following exercises target those muscles. Repeat just once a day
Warm up
Before starting these exercises, warm up your hands by rubbing them with hand cream or soaking them in warm water.
Place the palm of your hand on a table.
Bring your thumb away from the index finger and then back again.
Ensure the movement is occurring from the base of the thumb.
Repeat 5-10 times.
Rest the side of your hand on a table.
Bring your thumb away from the palm and then back to the index finger.
Ensure the movement is occurring from the base of the thumb.
Repeat 5-10 times.
With your thumb, touch each finger-tip, trying to make an “O”shape.
Run your thumb down the finger to the palm.
Try doing this with each finger in turn.
Repeat 5-10 times.
Put your forearm on a table.
Start by resting the thumb on the index finger.
Slowly lift the thumb off the index finger, moving from the base of the thumb. Keeping the tip of the thumb bent may help.
Repeat 5-10 times.
Strengthening exercises
If the above are pain free you can try the below:
Place your hand on a table with palm down and fingers straight. Put an elastic band around your thumb and index finger.
Pull the thumb away from the index finger. Repeat 5-10 times
Place your hand on a table with the palm facing up and a broad elastic band around your thumb and index finger.
Lift your thumb straight up.
Splinting
1. Slide your thumb through the thumb hole; ensure it fits snuggly into the web space of the thumb.
2. Fasten the main body of the wrap on the back of the wrist using the wide Velcro fastening.
3. Take the long strap and guide it around the palm aspect of the thumb, fastening it to the Velcro at the base of the thumb.
4. Gently pull the strap and take it through the thumb web to fasten at the final Velcro strap on the back of the hand.
Elastic or Neoprene splints as pictured may be hand-washed or machine-washed in an ‘easy care’ load (40°). Make sure the Velcro straps are fastened before putting the splint in a washing machine or place it in a pillow case.
Joint protection
Joint protection strategies are also shown to help reduce pain in this condition. The link below will take you to the Versus Arthritis patient information on this subject.
Joint care and protection strategies from Versus Arthritis.
How to manage and prevent future flare ups of Osteoarthritis of the thumb?
There is little you can do to avoid this condition as it is mostly genetic. It can however be aggravated by trauma, e.g. a fall onto the hand. There are a number of ways to manage it and help protect your joint while still remaining active.
Joint protection top tips
General
Use two hands and modify tasks
Spread the load. Adapt objects to create a larger surface area to grip.
Extra grip can be added to pens, cutlery, brushes or hand rails by using tape. Cycle tape is a good option which can be found in a range of colours in cycle shops such as Halfords.
Pace yourself
Take breaks, don’t try to do too much and intersperse heavier jobs with lighter ones. You can achieve more over three days of moderate activity than in one day of doing too much, followed by two days of exhaustion.
Slide, don’t lift
Particularly in the kitchen, try rearranging the locations of items so that you can slide things along sides and work surfaces instead of carrying them.
Warm up before starting the day
If hands are stiff and sore first thing when you wake up, fill a sink with warm and soapy water or apply baby oil and gently exercise and massage your hands in the water.
In the bathroom
Transfer shower gels and shampoo into pump bottles
Pressing down on a dispenser can be an easier motion to perform than squeezing a bottle.
Towelling bathrobes
Since towels can be heavy, try wearing a towelling robe while using a hand towel, rather than relying on a single large towel, or use a micro towel or a tea towel for light quick absorption.
Long handled aids
If you have difficulties reaching underarms to wash, use a long-handled sponge or create something similar by taking a long-handled washing up mop and putting a flannel over it.
A fly swot can be used in a similar way by attaching a flannel over the end piece creating a device to wash your feet and between the toes.
Electric tooth brush
Electric tooth brushes require less repetitive movement from the wrist and hand but teeth are still properly cleaned.
Lever taps
If you have difficulties gripping and twisting yours taps, have lever taps fitted, these can be purchased from a DIY store. You may also be eligible to have them fitted by social services.
In the kitchen
Wringing cloths
Wring a dishcloth by winding it round the tap and then crossing the two ends over each other and twisting.
Cooking vegetables or rice
Vegetables can be bought pre-chopped and kept in the freezer for when you need them. They can be microwaved or steamed alternatively to being boiled, meaning there is no need to lift heavy pans to drain.
Boil in the bag rice or microwavable rice makes cooking it much easier as there is no need to drain the rice.
To cook potatoes, place a metal colander inside the saucepan so that you only need to pick up the colander and potatoes once they are ready. Once the pan is cooled, you can safely pick it up with two hands to dispose of the water.
Opening bottle tops and jars
Use nut-crackers (the type with inside serrations) to unscrew small bottle tops.
Silicon grips can be purchased to help you open jars. Alternatively wear a rubber glove or use a rubber non-slip matt.
Larger grips
Kitchen utensils can be purchased which have large rubber handles making them easier to grip. Alternatively you can wrap tape round the handles or fit on some tubing.
Kitchen knives with saw like handles can also be purchased making cutting much easier.
Thermal mugs
These are insulated so they don’t get hot on the outside – holding a thermal mug by wrapping both hands around it can be more comfortable than holding a standard mug by its handle.
Shopping
Most major supermarkets will deliver to your door if you order online; some will also let you place orders over the phone. Or use a foldable trolley to transport your shopping e.g. www.reisenthel.com
Lightweight appliances
Smaller appliances such as kettles, irons and vacuum cleaners can be purchased in lightweight and compact travel versions.
Making a cuppa
Only fill the kettle with just enough water using a jug; once the kettle has boiled, lift it while keeping one hand on the handle and the other hand on the front with a tea towel to protect against the heat.
Kitchen trolleys
Kitchen trolleys can be used to help transport heavier and larger items between kitchen surfaces or to the table.
Electric gadgets
Let gadgets such as electric razors, toothbrushes and can openers do some of the work for you.
Safety cap bottles
Try using nut crackers on bleach bottles. You can also contact Versus Arthritis or you pharmacist to dispense your medication without safety cap.
Getting Dressed
Fastenings
Replace fiddly buttons with Velcro. You can also do this to your children’s clothing if you dress them.
Zips can be made easier to pull by tying some ribbon on to them.
Putting on coats/jackets
Jackets/ coats with a silky lining can be helpful as they allow wrists to slip more easily through the arm holes.
Shoes
You can buy coiled shoe laces if you find regular ones difficult.
Long handled shoe horns and elastic laces help to put on footwear.
Examples of helpful gadgets and adapted devices
Pouring Devices
Milk carton pourer from Lakeland
Adapted Handles
Using pipe lagging or gripoball on handles can increase the surface area of an object making it easier to grip. www.gripoballs.com
Alternatively OXO do a range of utensils with large rubber handles.
Stockists include: Dunelm Mill, Homesense, Lakeland
Plugs
Easy Pull Plug Removal Aid Amazon
Knitting
Bamboo knitting needles
Whether you’re right or left handed knit any stitch with complete freedom and support. Use your needles, Ease painful joints, Use one handed.
Dressing
Innovative fastenings make dressing easier for those who may suffer from restricted movement or lack of finger dexterity
Etac Butler Buttoner Round. A great helper when buttoning or using a zip
www.etac.com/products/small-aids-for-daily-living
Cutting
The angled handle of these tools keeps your hand and wrist in a natural position, making cutting and grating smooth and simple. Despite being stainless steel they are very lightweight which is ideal for someone who has very weak hands. The “soft-feel” black grip on the handle of the kitchen tools is non-slip making them safer to use with wet or greasy hands. The green “soft-feel” grip on the garden tools has a non-slip waterproof finish making the tools easy to grip even if you have wet hands.
Opening Devices
The JarKey (or JarPop) is a jar opener that opens jars, not by twisting the lid, but by lifting the edge of it, so that the vacuum inside is released. When the vacuum is released, it is easy to unscrew the lid. Jarkey
This One Touch product works as a tin and jar opener.
Multi Opener. Six openers in one. Removes safety seals, metal bottle caps, ring pulls, jar lids, bottle tops and has an enclosed blade for slicing open sealed bags.
Other information:
More useful tips can be found on the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society website:
Wessex DriveAbility – www.wessexdriveability.org.uk 02380554100
Other Stockists examples:
Steamer Trading cook shop- www.steamer.co.uk
Lakeland – www.lakeland.co.uk
Salamander Cookshop Wimborne – http://www.salamandercookshop.com
Poole Mobility – www.poolemobility.co.uk
The Range – www.therange.co.uk
Dunelm Mill- http://www.dunelm.com
Betterware- https://www.betterware.co.uk
