Basal Joint Arthritis

Basal joint arthritis occurs most in women over the age of 40. This is a form of osteoarthritis that is degenerative in nature. Here are some facts about this degenerative disease that maybe helpful for you:

• The arthritis occurs at the small joint which causes irritating symptoms which can affect both the strength and function of the hand. Basal joint arthritis usually results to pain that restricts actions of the thumb across the palm. The joints on the hands appear to be particularly prone to arthritis due to the normal wear and tear.
• The swelling is more obvious on the patient’s left hand. Patients that have this arthritis usually first notice pain associated with pinching activities like turning keys or opening car doors. With weather changes you can feel an aching discomfort at the base of your thumb.
• The most common remedy for basal joint arthritis an immediate treatment is cold compress or application of ice directly to the swollen area for about five to fifteen minutes. The cold will help tone down the swelling. Taking over the counter drugs pain reliever may be elected especially of the pain is unbearable. Applying a splint or brace which supports both the wrist and the thumb also helps.
• Major treatment for basal joint arthritis has two ways, the non-operative and the operative approach. Non-operative treatment includes rest, splinting, therapy and oral anti-inflammatory medication, and intra-articular steroid injection. Due to progressive arthritis pain and progressive loss of motion may occur, operative treatment or surgery is also an option.

A simple pain can be very irritating or considered a disruption to your daily work or tasks, more so if you have any kind of arthritis. It can cause you to experience very excruciating pain aside from rendering you immovable. So, if you have this type or arthritis and despite doing several home remedies and including self-medication the pain and swelling still persist, maybe it is time to discuss with your doctor for a more appropriate treatment.

Basal joint arthritis is a condition that often affects both hands and it would be very frustrating for you not to be able to do your daily tasks.