Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and cartilage loss within the joint.
There are several types of arthritis.
Thumb arthritis is more common in women than men and increases in frequency over the age of 50 years.
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An X-ray will show the extent of arthritis.
The X-ray may also offer some indication of how successful nonoperative treatments may be in your situation.
In fact, those who have an occupation with repetitive movements are twice as likely to develop localized osteoarthritis.
Many people with this condition find themselves rubbing or massaging the base of their thumb for relieve the discomfort.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you want to know more about the surgical treatment of thumb arthritis.
Sometimes these other conditions may need treatment so that alleviate your symptoms of discomfort.
In that case, more invasive treatments may ultimately become necessary.
Most people will respond well to simple treatments.
If you do not find relief with these methods, you might consider surgical options.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Osteoarthritis.
2017;9(4):7195. doi:10.4081/or.2017.7195
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Arthritis of the thumb.
