Dedicated to Our Patients
We empower patients and are dedicated to helping restore active lifestyles.
Deep aching at the base of the thumb, often aggravated by activities that involve pinch, such as opening jars, writing, and turning door knobs or keys is a symptom of arthritis of the base of the thumb. Though the exact cause of the condition is not known, it seems to occur more often in women over the age of 40. The thumb basal joint, or carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, commonly develops arthritis when the cartilage layer betweens the bones wears out. The specialized, saddle-shaped CMC joint allows the thumb's wide range of movement.
Conservative, non-surgical treatment includes splinting, pain medication, topical agents, corticosteroid injections, and hand therapy. More severe cases may require surgical intervention. This is usually an outpatient procedure, and may include joint arthroplasty, which include the removal of arthritic bone and joint reconstruction. Bone fusion andrealignment techniques may also be used. In some cases, minimally invasive arthroscopy may be appropriate.
Birmingham, Alabama 35205 Phone: 205-933-7838 Fax: 205-933-0951 Follow us on Facebook: 
