Thumb Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that effects the small joints of the thumb, particularly the basal thumb joints (CMC and STT joints) . This video aims to provide evidence based information about Thumb Base Osteoarthritis by answering the 3 most common questions asked by people who have been diagnosed with the condition :-
1) What is it ?
2) Why do I have it ?
3) What can I do about it ?
For more information about me and why I am making these videos, see here
My detailed video about Osteoarthritis in general can be found here
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My video on the Best Available Thumb Splints :
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Links to the thumb splints referred to in the video can be seen below.
(soft splint works with either thumb)
(push meta grip thumb cmc joint splint) ** Recommended
supportive splints
(small/medium right)
(small/medium left)
(large left)
(large right)
Large wrist and thumb splint combined
If you cannot find a splint that fits comfortably (which can be a problem if you have thumb base squaring) then I would recommend seeing an occupational therapist, or an orthotist who can custom make a splint from thermoplastic to fit your individual thumb shape and avoid rubbing.
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Disclaimer
This video provides general information related to various medical conditions and their treatment. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a doctor or other qualified health care professional. The information provided does not constitute personal advice or guarantee of outcome and should not be used to diagnose yourself or others. You should never ignore advice provided by a health care professional because of something you have seen or read in this video or on this channel. You should always consult a doctor or other qualified health care professional for personal medical advice.
Exercise is not always without risk, even for healthy individuals. Certain types of exercises are riskier than others and all exercise may be risky for some individuals. You are responsible for your own health and safety at all times. As such, by visiting and using the information on this website/media channel you are acknowledging that you have been assessed by a qualified health care professional who has given you consent to take part in physical activity.
(English Subtitles for this video are available under closed caption settings)
00:00 Introduction
01:13 What is Thumb Osteoarthritis ?
04:08 Why have I got it ?
05:14 What are the Treatments ?
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I have no idea why youtube put your video in my feed, but I'm glad it did. My thumb has weakened over the years, and last year I noticed the squaring you mentioned. It doesn't hurt if I don't stress it. Just knowing what's happened to it is a relief. Thank you for the excellent explanation.
Just stumbled upon this video, I have cmc pain which seems to be OA and I also have trigger finger on the same thumb. This is all aggravated by my occupation of bead weaving, I know. I was just wondering if you have any advice for those suffering from both.
Thanks !!
Cant see whats what cos u subtitles are covering the picture cheers 👍
I take tumeric paste, a teaspoon twice a day. It contains cinnamon, ginger powder and black pepper. Coconut oil (the solid kind) helps all ingredients do their job when heated (mixed with water). This paste helps relieve osteoarthritis pain I have in most joints in my body. It also stops inflammation, which helps me breathe better, by clearing my sinuses. I’ve been told by “friends” and relatives that I’m stupid for believing this paste would help, saying it’s all in my head. A very few actually tried it when pain was affecting their lives. Oh, my, it worked.
at 10:50 he talks about Chili powder ointment. It's good stuff but it has the same ingredient as pepper spray so if you have a habit of rubbing your cheeks, nose or especially your eyes, with the back of your hand; it can rely sting your eyes.
Excellent overview of the problem
I had a cortisone injection for thumb arthritis, and my doctor left the door of the examination room open. The whole waiting room heard me screaming,
excellent
I am glad I clicked on your video.
I’ve had 2 trapezectomys with k wire. What a complete relief I recommend it !!
I have pain in my finger rather then my thumb. Is there a splint that I can wear for such case ?
I was a kilt maker, need I say more?
I had thumb arthritis, stopped eating or drinking all milk products – now no arthritis.
I use red light therapy
Thank you for the information ,I get useful for my thumb , really nice video 😊
I'm a 60 year old female hard-core crafter/jewelry maker. I started getting terrible pain in the base of my right (dominant) thumb.
I suffered with that for years, bought several different types of braces to relieve the pain. I finally went to an Orthopedic surgeon to see what could be done. I got my first cortisone shot. It worked great until it didn't. I got another shot about 6 months later to help me to prepare for another jewelry show. That shot worked okay. My next show (another six months later) another shot with no positive results. Another shot a couple years later. Nothing. I finally decided to get CMC Arthroplasty surgery. My surgeon had lots of experience and success in this surgery. I'm now 10:38 4 months post op and I only have about 30% use of my thumb and it's not improving anymore. I should also add that I have Brachydactyly in that same thumb. Short, stubby, "Toe Thumb". I think that's the reason my thumb is in worse shape than before my surgery. It's very disheartening.
Warning to others…
Surgery should be your very last resort. I thought it was the only option left for me so that I could make jewelry again. Now I hardly have any pinch strength in my right hand. I can barely use my right hand to pull my blanket up over me at night or hold my tooth brush properly or even use my pepper grinder. I currently have an appointment for a second opinion for ANOTHER have surgery😩
I e went away after I switched to a ketogenic diet
Veryhelpful.I find taking CBD oil and Green lipped mussel oil capsules daily help enormously.
Stop using your thumb for scrolling and typing
Very helpful thankyou
I really enjoyed your video. I do have a very painful oa in my left thumb, which is quite swollen. Thank you so much for your excellent help in dealing with it. 😊😊
Aspercream helps me with tight support glove.
Thanks
For gentle exercise, I have found that using one thumb to massage the muscles on the palm side from the metacarpal bone of the other thumb is helping both thumbs. Also it helps to find other ways of doing things on the guitar that have caused pain in the past.
Great job. As a retired PT, I am delighted to see more and more physios with excellent channels, instead of the quacks.
After wrist fracture, two tendon rips, thumb and forefinger, two tendon transfer surgeries, the doctod is now talking about renoving the thumb joint. I said no thanks.
I punched a heavy bag that didn’t budge. Whoops! Ouchy mommy!
Very good
Keeping my hands and wrists warm helps.
I had arthritis in both of my thumb joints. Had replacement artificial thumb joints implanted a couple of years back and have never regretted it. My new joints came from Keri medical in Switzerland.
My thumb pain has come back after an overseas holiday. Washing out clothes in the sink and wringing them out. Cleaning and wringing out the cloths is more often done by women. It's my left thumb and I am surprised how much I use the left hand to do everything. Buttons, zips etc. Last time it eventually healed after wearing a thumb brace. This time I'm over 70. We will see.
Thank you for making this video, very informative. I suffered with basal joint arthritis in both hands as a 40 year old and tried many things. Injection one time and the pain was tremendous and then only helped for a couple months. At 44 I hand my first hand surgery, basal joint arthroplasty, on my left hand and then had the other done a few years later. I am now 70 years old and still live pain free with my thumbs. I highly recommend it before the thumb rotates in too much. As always consult your doctor. 🤙🏻
I've got it because over 60 years ago my abusive husband pulled my thumb out of joint; but t's only become a problem now I'm in my eighties! Thank you for your very clear explanations Dr.