If you’re experiencing hand and wrist pain from basal joint arthritis, there are a few things you can do at home to find relief. While some types of movement may aggravate your pain, other types of movement will be more therapeutic. Modifying activities and adding some gentle exercises to your routine can help reduce your pain. Icing your hand, wearing a splint and using topical pain relievers may also be helpful. A physical therapist can assess your condition and create a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your arthritis.
Basal joint arthritis is a common type of osteoarthritis that causes pain at the base of the thumb. It happens when cartilage inside this joint wears away as a result of aging or years of repetitive movements. People over 40, especially women, are among the most likely to develop this condition.
In this article, we’ll share some tips to help you reduce thumb pain from basal joint arthritis.
5 tips for reducing pain from basal joint arthritis
We use our hands for all kinds of activities, all day long. You’ll quickly find out which activities are most painful for your thumbs. Your physical therapy may include some ergonomic assessment and training to help you find alternatives that work better for you. You’ll learn some exercises to do every day that will help keep your hands flexible and strong. Certain activities, like knitting, may be an enjoyable way to exercise your thumbs. However, moderation is key. Limiting the time you spend on these activities and taking breaks often will help you reap the benefits without making your pain worse.
Try using the following tips to reduce thumb pain from basal joint arthritis:
- Activity modification techniques — Try to modify daily activities so you’re not relying so much on your thumb for pinching, gripping and supporting weight. For instance, you might use your whole hand to carry a bag instead of picking it up by the handles. Or you might use your shoulders or your hips to lift heavy objects. Try to find pens, silverware and other items with larger grips. The Arthritis Foundation certifies products that are easier to use for people who have arthritis.
- Splinting and support options — A thumb brace or splint may help stabilize and support your thumb joint. Wearing it at night can help reduce your overall pain, or you might wear it during activities that aggravate your pain.
- Hand exercises to maintain mobility and strength — Add some gentle hand and wrist exercises to your routine to maintain your range of motion and strengthen your hand muscles for more stability. Try gripping a stress ball, bending your thumb and fingers and making an O shape with your hand.
- Pain management strategies — Heat and cold therapy can both help with basal joint arthritis, but they work in different ways. Heat helps relax muscles and increase blood flow to ease stiffness and pain. Ice can reduce inflammation and swelling to help with flares or recovery after activity. Use heat early in the morning or before activities, and use ice during flares or anytime your joints feel hot or swollen.
- Ergonomic adaptations for home and work — You may need to make adjustments or find equipment to help make your environment more adaptive. A physical therapist can help you assess your needs and find solutions. For instance, they may suggest an ergonomic keyboard or mouse and adaptive kitchen tools.
Get help managing basal joint arthritis at Forever Fit
Physical therapy offers natural and noninvasive treatments that can help with basal joint arthritis. You may be able to reduce your pain level or slow the progression of your arthritis. Treatments should be personalized to support your overall health and the life you want to live.
A physical therapist may use the following techniques to treat basal joint arthritis:
- Joint mobilization — Your PT may be able to loosen up a stiff thumb joint by manipulating the joint and applying pressure.
- Manual therapy — Joint manipulation is a type of manual therapy, which means the therapist is using their hands to make massage-like movements. Your PT may also use soft tissue manipulation techniques or myofascial release.
- Therapeutic exercise and stretching — Your PT may guide you through therapeutic exercises and stretches or teach you exercises to do at home.
- Ergonomic assessment — Your PT may want to assess your workstation or areas at home to suggest ways you might reduce strain on your thumb joint.
At Forever Fit, we specialize in treating musculoskeletal conditions like osteoarthritis. We take the time to listen to our patients’ concerns and understand what they’re experiencing so we can provide the most effective therapies.
Are you ready to find relief from basal joint arthritis? We can help. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.