Osteoarthritis of the hand or thumb

Osteoarthritis of the hand and/or thumb can occur at the same time or individually. As in osteoarthritis in other joints of the body, cartilage that surrounds the bones is lost or damaged due to the degenerative process, resulting in stiffness and pain. Osteoarthritis commonly develops at the base of the thumb, possibly because of the increased range of movement at this digit compared with the others, coupled with its’ use in almost all activities of the hand.

What causes Osteoarthritis of the hand/thumb?

The actual degenerative, or ‘wear and tear’ process of osteoarthritis is not completely understood. Whilst loss and damage to cartilage and changes to the joint surface of the bone are a normal part of the aging process, other factors may contribute to this condition. These may include; previous trauma or injury, repetitive stress over long periods of time or laxity or looseness of the joint secondary to hormones.

What are symptoms/effects of Osteoarthritis of the hand/thumb?

The symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the hand/thumb may include:
Stiffness and/or pain in the wrist joint or at the base of the thumb
Tightness of your wrist, particularly after use
Weakness
Difficulty gripping and/or opening jars
Clumsiness
Deformity of the thumb
Swelling in the wrist
Physiotherapy treatment for Osteoarthritis of the hand/thumb

Stiff, painful hands can make everyday life seem almost impossible. At Cleethorpes Physio Clinic we can help you to overcome these difficulties and not only assist you in maintaining, but also improving your current functional levels. Via comprehensive assessment we will ensure that treatment is tailored to your specific needs.

Physiotherapy treatment may include: