What does it mean when your thumb joint is swollen?

What does it mean when your thumb joint is swollen?

Thumb arthritis is common as we age. In most cases, it’s osteoarthritis — the age-related breakdown of joint tissue — that causes a swollen thumb joint, especially at the lowest joint (called the basal joint). It can also be caused by reactive arthritis, which is triggered by an infection in the body.

When should I see a doctor for a swollen thumb?

When to see a doctor In many instances, such as after an injury or an insect bite, finger swelling will go away once the affected area heals. However, people should seek medical help if they experience the following: the swelling does not go away or decrease in a few days. the swelling is sudden, extreme, or both.

How do you treat an inflamed thumb joint?

Nonsurgical Treatment

1. Ice the joint for 5 to 15 minutes several times a day.
2. Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
3. Wear a supportive splint to limit the movement of your thumb, and allow the joint to rest and heal.

What causes pain and swelling at base of thumb?

De Quervain’s tendinosis occurs when the tendons around the base of the thumb are irritated or constricted. The word “tendinosis” refers to a swelling of the tendons. Swelling of the tendons, and the tendon sheath, can cause pain and tenderness along the thumb side of the wrist.

What does Basal thumb arthritis look like?

Appearance. The thumb may appear swollen, especially at its base, and you may develop a bony bump. Overall, the base of the thumb can take on an enlarged appearance. One alarming sign of thumb arthritis is improper alignment of the joint as it shifts from its normal positioning.

Can you get gout in your thumb joints?

Gout flares are usually associated with signs of active inflammation, including redness, heat, swelling, and pain. Gout in the thumb can occur at the middle joint (the knuckle) or at the joint where the thumb meets the hand.

What is the CMC joint?

The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint forms where the ends of the metacarpal bone at the base of the thumb and the trapezium bone in the wrist meet also called the basal joint. Smooth cartilage covers the ends of the metacarpal bone and trapezium bone. The cartilage allows the bones to glide easily during motion.

What is Dequervains syndrome?

Overview. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (dih-kwer-VAINS ten-oh-sine-oh-VIE-tis) is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist. If you have de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, it will probably hurt when you turn your wrist, grasp anything or make a fist.

What’s wrong with my thumb joint?

Thumb arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint wears away. Thumb arthritis is common with aging and occurs when cartilage wears away from the ends of the bones that form the joint at the base of your thumb — also known as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.

What is the lump on my thumb joint?

Heberden’s nodes are hard bony lumps in the joints of your fingers. They are typically a symptom of osteoarthritis. The lumps grow on the joint closest to the tip of your finger, called the distal interphalangeal, or DIP joint.

What does basal joint arthritis feel like?

The common symptoms of basal joint arthritis include swelling, stiffness and decreased strength when gripping or holding objects with the affecting hand. Pain in the thumb area is, of course, the most common symptom, and sometimes the base of your thumb may appear to be out-of-joint or swollen.