Thumb arthritis refers to the gradual wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the thumb’s joint. In advanced cases, this condition leads to pain, stiffness, and limited hand mobility.

Thumb arthritis is more common in women than in men, and this article highlights the range of gender differences in symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Thumb Arthritis Symptoms

The early signs of thumb arthritis include mild to moderate pain during thumb movement or gripping objects.

You can notice a reduction in the strength and flexibility of your hand, making it difficult to perform certain tasks like turning a key or opening a jar.

The symptoms can gradually worsen with time if left untreated. In advanced cases, you may experience swelling at the base of the thumb, a popping or crunching sensation, and clicking sounds while moving the thumb.

The joint may become more prominent, and limited mobility may cause your thumb to lock in place.

Gender Differences in Thumb Arthritis

Women are four times more likely than men to develop thumb arthritis. The gender differences result from the hormonal changes that women experience in their bodies as they age.

Estrogen plays a role in bone and cartilage health, and the drop in estrogen levels during menopause reduces the regeneration capacity of cartilage. Cartilage regeneration is vital in keeping joints healthy and preventing arthritis.

Studies also suggest that the different hand grips that men and women adopt in daily activities may contribute to the disparity in thumb arthritis emergence.

Women tend to rely more on pinch gripping, which exerts pressure on the base of the thumb, while men frequently utilize grasp gripping, which engages the full hand and distributes pressure on the joint.

Thumb Arthritis Diagnosis

Your physician may diagnose thumb arthritis through a physical exam, X-ray, or MRI.

A physical exam involves assessing the range of motion of the thumb joint, the severity of inflammation, and the strength and flexibility of the surrounding muscles and ligaments. X-rays and MRI reveal cartilage damage and bone spurs around the joint.

Thumb Arthritis Treatment

Treatment for thumb arthritis may involve different approaches depending on the severity of the symptoms.

1. Non-surgical options.

Non-surgical methods include splinting, medication, and injection therapies. Your physician may recommend wearing a splint to stabilize the joint and relieve pain and inflammation.

The use of over-the-counter pain medication coupled with anti-inflammatory medication can ease the pain and improve mobility. Injection therapy involves injecting steroids into the joint to reduce inflammation and swelling.

2. Surgical options.

Surgery is often the last resort if non-surgical methods do not work. The surgical options available include joint fusion, joint reconstruction, joint replacement, and excision arthroplasty.

Joint fusion involves fusing the joint together, reducing the joint movement and alleviating pain. Joint reconstruction aims to restore the joint stability and mobility by replacing the damaged bone and cartilage with artificial materials. Joint replacement involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial one.

Excision arthroplasty allows for the removal of part of the bone, providing space and flexibility for repairing the damaged joint.

Thumb Arthritis Prevention

Thumb arthritis is a preventable condition, and few steps may reduce the chances of developing it.

1. Promote a healthy lifestyle.

Incorporating a balanced diet and an exercise routine that includes cycling and swimming may promote overall body fitness and reduce inflammation.

2. Maintain a healthy weight.

Excessive weight exerts undue pressure on joints, leading to joint stress and cartilage degradation. Keeping a healthy weight can significantly reduce the joint’s stress and prevent thumb arthritis development.

3. Avoid repetitive stress.

Repetitive movements that strain the hands and fingers should get minimized. Use ergonomic equipment, minimize phone and computer usage, and opt for support equipment like cushioned mouse pads and wrist supports.

Conclusion

Thumb arthritis is a prevalent condition that affects women more than men. The condition is manageable for both genders, and early diagnosis and treatment are key to preserving the joint’s function and mobility.

Simple preventive measures like maintaining a healthy diet, reducing repetitive stress, and regular exercise may significantly reduce the risk of developing thumb arthritis.