Management of Thumb Osteoarthritis
A Guide for Patients
This guide provides information on what thumb osteoarthritis is and how you can manage your symptoms at home. If you have any questions, please speak with your hand therapist.
Understanding Your Thumb
The thumb base joint is a small, saddle-shaped joint that allows for great movement, but it can be put under a lot of force during daily activities. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition where the joint surfaces become damaged, leading to inflammation and pain.
Tips for Daily Activities
By changing how you use your thumb, you can help lessen stress and strain on the joint.
Change your grip: Use a "C" position to hold things, keeping the thumb more out to the side for better joint alignment.
Use Scissors: Use scissors to cut open packets rather than your thumb and index finger
Modify your tools: Use two hands, or increase the size of handles on tools, pens, or kitchen equipment to reduce strain.
Take breaks: Give your thumb a rest by taking mini-breaks throughout the day.
Use gadgets: Gadgets can make tasks easier. Consider a non-slip mat for opening jars, spring-loaded scissors, or a hand-shaped computer mouse.
Pacing: Break down difficult tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. This prevents overusing your thumb and allows for mini-breaks to let your joint recover.
Save your thumbs: Use your thumbs for the activities you love, and adapt how you do the tasks you don't enjoy. This helps you prioritise and conserve your joint.
Pain Management
Managing pain is an important part of treatment. Less pain helps the muscles work better to support your joint.
Heat or Cold: Try a gentle heat pack or cold pack on your thumb.
Medication: Take any pain relief medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Splinting: A thumb splint can help support your joint and reduce pain, especially during activities or at night. Your hand therapist can help you find a suitable one.
Corticosteroid Injections (CSI): A corticosteroid injection is an anti-inflammatory medication injected directly into the joint by a doctor or hand surgeon to help reduce swelling and pain.
Thumb Exercises
These exercises are designed to help keep your thumb and finger joints from getting stiff and to improve muscle strength. Perform these exercises 2 times daily for 5 minutes, and they should not be painful.
Movement Exercises
Massage: Massage the muscle webspace between your thumb and index finger for 30 seconds.
Gentle Pull: Gently pull the length of your thumb away from your hand for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 2 times.
Bridge Exercises: Spread your thumb out as if you're grasping a large jar. Keep your thumb long and curved like a bridge. Hold for 3 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.
Finger Touches: Touch your thumb to your index finger and then your middle finger. Spread your thumb out in between each movement. Repeat 5 times.
Fingers to a Fist: Gently straighten all your fingers into a full stretch, and then gently make a loose fist with your thumb on the outside. Unclench and straighten your fingers again.
Strengthening Exercises
Use a tennis ball or an elastic band for these exercises. Start with a light grip or resistance and increase as you feel comfortable.
Tennis Ball Squeeze: With your thumb and fingers lightly gripping a tennis ball, gently squeeze the ball and then relax.
Thumb Slide: Hold the tennis ball with a light grip and gently slide your thumb across the ball as far as you can go, then slide it back to the side of your hand.
Tennis Ball Pinch: Still using a tennis ball, keep your thumb resting on the ball in a stable position. Lift your index and middle fingers away from the ball. Gently squeeze your thumb against the ball and relax.
Elastic Band Stretch: Place an elastic band around your thumb and fingers. Keeping your hand flat, gently stretch the band by moving your thumb away from your fingers. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat 10 times.
Bunny Ear Stretch: Make a loose fist and place an elastic band around your thumb and fingers. Keeping your palm on a flat surface, slide your thumb away from your hand. Then, keeping your thumb tip bent, lift your thumb up towards the ceiling and back down. Repeat this movement 10 times.
Important Disclaimer
Always listen to your body and do not push through pain. These exercises are for educational purposes only. It is always best to consult with a qualified health professional for an individualised exercise program and advice.
