CMC Thumb Arthritis

CMC THUMB ARTHRITIS

Arthritis occurs when the cartilage – the flexible tissue that covers and protects the joints - wears out. Without this cushioning, the bones in the joint grind together wearing the joint down. Carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis is arthritis at the base of your thumb, where your thumb and wrist meet. As the cartilage wears down, the ends of the bones rub together causing pain and making it difficult to use your thumb.

Named for the bones at the base of the thumb – the Carpal (wrist) bone and Metacarpal (long bone of the thumb), the CMC joint is the most common place in the hand for arthritis. CMC joint arthritis can be mild or it can progress over time, and it is best to treat it early with some simple measures.

For additional information on treating CMC Thumb Arthritis pain, check out our blogs My Thumb Hurts - Do I Have Thumb Arthritis and My Thumb Hurts - What's Wrong

Also check out our line of Thumb Splints and Braces for CMC Thumb Arthritis.

SYMPTOMS OF CMC THUMB ARTHRITIS

Pain at the base of your thumb
Pain when you pinch or grip small objects, pens or keys
Pain or tenderness when you press on or around the joint

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT CMC THUMB ARTHRITIS?

Wearing a splint or brace that helps support your thumb is one way to reduce pain and lessen the effects of arthritis on your thumb. Thumb splints offer different levels of support depending on the way they are made. Flexible fabric splints provide compression and support for stability, while splints with metal strips help hold the thumb in place to allow it to rest. Choosing the right splint is key to properly manage your CMC joint arthritis. (Download our ebook "Which Splint is Right to Treat Your Thumb Pain")