Arthritis in the thumb

[Gracie2006]

Does anyone here suffer from arthritis in the joint at the base of the thumb? It is called the basal joint or the carpal metacarpal joint (CMC). If you have it, how do you treat it? Have you worn a splint or do you take meds, or both? Ain't getting old just lovely?

[Nana3]

Yes, I have Arthritis in both my hands-----it HURTS! I have not worn a splint. I take two kinds of medicine every day. My Dr. says to use the hands.
Wash dishes, crochet, play the piano.

[Connie]

I have the basal joint problem. I first got it in my left hand, then in my right. I used to wear a splint now and then and try to wear one at night. I have gotten cortisone shots in them and the day of the shot, it hurts so bad I cannot move it. The next day it's better. Doctor told me I needed a joint replacement. I researched and found that they don't have that high of a success rate. Another doctor told me he doesn't do that surgery...that instead he opens it up and takes out the sharp pieces that have broken away from the joint because that's many times what causes the pain.

I'm sorry to hear you've also got this. It sure does hurt!

[Little Bit]

I have that! It hurts so bad some days I can't even hold a book! I had to finally quit cutting my husband's hair because using the scissors so much hurt the base of my thumb.

I haven't gone to the doctor about it specifically or taken anything for it except pain relievers occasionally. I do type for a living so they get lots of action, but that doesn't seem to be affect it too much, unless I do tons of typing.

I would love to hear what anyone else has done to help with the pain.

[Gizmo's Mom]

I think it is normal to hurt worse for a period after the shots. I get them in my knees. If I don't baby them for a couple of days after the injections it totally nullifies the treatments. Best of luck!