Basal/Metacarpal Joint Arthritis
Also known as: CMC or Carpal-MetaCarpal
joint
What is it?
The basal joint of the thumb is also called the CMC or Carpal-MetaCarpal joint. It is located at the base of the thumb, near the wrist. The basal joint usually moves quite freely to help position the thumb. However, movement becomes difficult and painful when this joint becomes inflamed.
Who gets it?
Basal/metacarpal joint arthritis is more common in women than in men.
What causes it?
Basal/metacarpal joint arthritis is a degenerative arthritis usually brought on by age. However, this arthritis may also occur as the result of an injury.
What are the symptoms?
The most noticeable symptom is a sharp or aching pain at the base of the thumb. This pain can extend in several directions. You may notice the pain when you use the thumb for grasping or turning. You may have limited thumb motion and difficulty opening your palm to the point that you drop objects easily. The joint may be swollen and deformed. When you move the thumb, you might feel the joint catch and hear it click.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical exam. He or she will confirm the diagnosis with x-rays. Using the x-rays, he or she can classify the arthritis as mild, moderate, or severe.
What is the treatment?
You can reduce your symptoms with anti-inflammatory medicine, rest, and corticosteroid injections. Physical therapy may also be recommended. While most patients don't require surgery, more severe cases benefit from joint replacement or thumb basal joint arthroplasty. Surgery is followed by approximately one month of casting and up to several months of physical therapy.
Self-care tips
If you have basal/metacarpal joint arthritis, follow your doctor's recommended treatment.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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