- info@irosm.com
- 3333 West Commercial Blvd , Ste 101 Fort Lauderdale , Fl, 33309
(954) 751 6990
(954) 751 6990
Pain at the base of the thumb when you pinch, grip, open a jar or turn a key is often thumb arthritis. It happens when the cartilage in the joint where the thumb meets the wrist wears down. It is very common, and there are many ways to manage it before surgery is considered.
At the Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM), Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, MD at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale evaluates thumb pain with an exam, X-rays and in-office ultrasound, and offers non-surgical care for appropriate candidates.
Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Thumb arthritis is wear of the cartilage in the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint at the base of the thumb. This joint sits where the thumb bone meets a small wrist bone called the trapezium. It is also called basal joint arthritis or CMC osteoarthritis (CMC OA).
The CMC joint lets the thumb swivel and pinch, so it takes a lot of force every day. Over time, the cartilage can thin and the joint can loosen, which causes pain and weakness. Thumb arthritis is more common in women and after age 50. Learn more about degenerative osteoarthritis. Dr. Gonzalez evaluates thumb arthritis at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale to confirm the diagnosis and its stage.
Thumb arthritis symptoms usually start as an ache at the base of the thumb during use. Common signs include:
Other conditions can cause similar pain. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist, and a trigger thumb causes catching or locking. An exam at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale helps tell them apart.
Diagnosis of thumb arthritis at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale starts with your symptoms and a hands-on exam. Dr. Gonzalez presses on the base of the thumb and gently moves the joint to check for pain, grinding or looseness.
A simple hand X-ray is usually enough to confirm CMC arthritis and show how advanced it is. In-office ultrasound for orthopedics and sports medicine lets Dr. Gonzalez look at the joint lining and nearby tendons during your visit. CT scans and MRI are rarely needed.
Many people with thumb arthritis start with simple steps that rest and support the joint:
A thumb splint holds the base of the thumb steady and may ease pain. It is often worn at night and during tasks that cause pain. Your doctor or hand therapist can help you choose the right fit.
A hand therapist can teach exercises that support the joint and show you easier ways to grip, pinch and lift.
Wide-grip pens, jar openers, key turners and lever door handles take strain off the thumb during daily tasks.
Ice after activity, warmth for morning stiffness, and short-term anti-inflammatory medicine may ease flare-ups.
Dr. Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale will suggest which first-line steps fit your thumb and your daily activities.
When splints and therapy are not enough, an injection may be considered. At IROSM in Fort Lauderdale, thumb joint injections are placed with ultrasound guidance so they reach the small CMC joint. Read how image-guided injections improve accuracy.
Dr. Gonzalez explains this approach in more detail in minimally invasive treatment for thumb joint arthritis. Thumb arthritis injections are not right for every patient, research results are mixed, and results vary. Candidacy is decided at an in-person evaluation.
Surgery for thumb arthritis is usually considered when pain and weakness continue despite splinting, therapy and injections. Common operations include:
Recovery after thumb surgery usually includes a cast or splint and hand therapy. If surgery is the better fit for your thumb, Dr. Gonzalez will explain why and help with a referral.
Providing thumb arthritis and hand pain evaluation and treatment to residents in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and Broward County. For our Hialeah office, se habla español.
Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
3333 West Commercial Blvd, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 751-6990
Triple board-certified · Fellowship-trained at the Andrews Institute · Fort Lauderdale & Hialeah
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jorge Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale to find out whether arthritis is behind your thumb pain and which thumb arthritis treatment is right for your condition.
Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. Individual patient outcomes will vary. Thumb arthritis treatment at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale requires a clinical examination by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez to establish candidacy. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and surrounding Broward County communities.
