Thumb joint pain

introduction

Of the thumb includes total three different joints. So you can choose between the Saddle thumb joint, the Metacarpophalangeal joint as well as the Thumb joint distinguish.

Any joint can cause pain, which in the Thumb and the rest of the hand cause complaints. But also structures that are structurally connected to the joints, such as Tapes, Muscles or Tendons can cause the Thumb pain be. Pain that persists for a long time should be clarified by a doctor so that diseases can be diagnosed if necessary and therapy can be started.

causes

The Causes of painwhich of the Thumb joints going out can be very different. In principle, it must first be found out which of the three thumb joints is affected.

The Saddle thumb joint represents a connection that the large polygonal leg, a bone of Carpal, with the first metacarpal bone connects. The joint can be moved in two axes. The main cause of pain emanating from the thumb saddle joint is one Osteoarthritis of the joint. Osteoarthritis that occurs in this joint is also called Rizarthrosis designated. This is a degenerative disease, in which the cartilage material in the joint perishes and ultimately the bone rub against each other causing pain. in addition to pain in the thumb joint Pain in the navicular bone of the hand. Other, more uncommon causes of pain in this joint can be Damage or overuse of the structures surrounding the joint. The thumb saddle joint is from numerous ribbons which can be individually damaged. Injuries, in particular, can lead to muscles or ligaments being damaged in the area of ​​the joint.

The metatarsophalangeal joint is a joint of the thumb that connects the first metacarpal bone with the first Bones of the thumb (proximal phalanx) connects. In addition to osteoarthritis, which can occur in this joint, the structure is at risk for structural damage, especially in the event of injuries. So they can Capsule of the joint or the Ligaments of the thumb can be damaged and painful if the finger is twisted. Often arise from such an injury as well Bruising as well as a Swelling of the thumb.

Read more on the subject here Pain in the metatarsophalangeal joint.

Ultimately, that too Thumb joint Cause pain. Next degenerative diseaseswhich may affect the joint, such as a arthrosis, are special Injuries Main cause of pain caused by the thumb joint. Above all else Cut and crush injuries Cause damage to the joint, its capsule or ligaments.

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Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
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In order to be able to treat successfully in orthopedics, a thorough examination, diagnosis and a medical history are required.
In our very economic world in particular, there is too little time to thoroughly grasp the complex diseases of orthopedics and thus initiate targeted treatment.
I don't want to join the ranks of "quick knife pullers".
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

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Further information about myself can be found at Lumedis - Dr. Nicolas Gumpert

diagnosis

Pain in the thumb should be clarified by a treating doctor. Are specialists in the field Specialists in orthopedics. In order to make a correct diagnosis, one is always carried out first detailed survey of the patient's history (anamnese). In the anamnesis the exact Location and severity of pain asked and evaluated by the attending physician. According to the anamnesis, the Examination of the thumb. It makes a diagnostic difference whether the pain occurs with pressure on the thumb and / or with certain movements or activities. Finally, imaging tests can also provide information about the cause of the pain in the thumb. Especially in the X-ray image can Changes in the boneas they are present in osteoarthritis, for example, can be observed well. If Ligaments and joints of the thumb need to be examined more closely, a Ultrasound examination or one MRI diagnosis help find the cause of the pain.

therapy

The Therapy of pain in the thumb joint depends on which root cause is individually responsible for the pain. In the event of injuries, it should be clarified which structures are affected and whether these may need surgical treatment.

At a present osteoarthritis different treatment methods are available. Above all, one thing is important early diagnosis the disease. In addition to conservative therapies without surgery, surgery may also be necessary in some cases to treat osteoarthritis.

Conservative therapy options are ingesting Pain medication, physical therapies, and Cortisone injections. Operational stand two different methods to disposal. On the one hand the so-called Resection arthroplasty as well as the Resection of the trapezium. Furthermore, a complete Stiffening of the joint be carried out so that the person concerned becomes pain-free.

Also read: Thumb saddle joint osteoarthritis surgery

forecast

The Prognosis for pain in the thumb joint depends on the cause of the discomfort. For most diseases, one early diagnosis and with it a early start of therapy can significantly benefit the individual prognosis. For example, a arthrosis in the early stages still very well with conservative therapeutic measures treated, whereas osteoarthritis in one late stage with a rather bad prognosis in terms of the Mobility and freedom from pain of Joint goes hand in hand.

Pain in the metatarsophalangeal joint

The joint between the first metacarpal (metacarpal) bone and the first finger bone of the thumb is called the metacarpal joint. So it should not be confused with the saddle thumb joint, which forms the transition from the wrist to the metacarpal.

Pain in the metatarsophalangeal joint may be caused by osteoarthritis, i.e. a sign of wear and tear on the cartilage surfaces. As a rule, other joints of the hand are also affected in the context of polyarthrosis. Women in particular are affected by this.
Compared to other joints of the hand, especially the thumb saddle joint, arthrosis of the thumb base joint is relatively rare. An injury to the joint capsule or the ligamentous apparatus of the joint is more likely. Typically, these arise from sports injuries or from chronic overloading of the joint, as can be the case with craftsmen.

Read more about the topic here:

• Pain in the thumb joint
• Saddle joint pain

prophylaxis

There is no comprehensive prophylaxis against pain that occurs in the thumb joint. It is important Misalignments of the joints Correct early to prevent osteoarthritis at a young age. Big loads on the Joints can also lead to osteoarthritis in the structures.

Since the thumb is often used in everyday life, it is also at risk for injuries. In general, for example Activities or sports with typical injuries to the thumb should be avoided or carried out with increased caution.