Dismissing pain in the hands can only lead to pain progressively getting worse. Although arthritis does occur in men it is much more common in women over the age of 40. Arthritis in any part of the body is generally caused by the same thing, repetitive motion or injury. It is highly important that one take care of any injury and apply preventative measures such as relaxing the hands, messages and making sure that the hands are in the upright position appropriate for the activity at hand. Leading Los Angeles hand surgeons say arthritis in the small joint at the base of the thumb is common and can be very uncomfortable and painful and only gets worse if it is not attended to.
Arthritis destroys the cartilage in between the bone that acts as a cushion causing the joint to become painfully swollen. Basilar joint arthritis causes pain in the thumb that stretches across the palm of the hand and restricts movement. It is important to take note of the basilar joint arthritis symptoms, as this joint is said to be the most important joint in the hand when it comes to function, and if greatly affected it can be difficult to use the hands at all since this most often occurs in both hands. Patients often experience the first pains when a pinching motion is done, the paint is usually felt as the joint is under pressure, but as the disease progresses less pressure needs to be applied for individuals to feel pain and discomfort.
A hand specialist will then make a thorough examination of the hands and joints and take x-rays in order to identify the cause of the pain. There will be other test that require the use of the hands but the patients symptoms and pain level will determine the extent of the arthritis and in which joint, and then the hand doctor will decide on the right course of Basilar joint arthritis treatment. Most doctors begin by putting their patients on anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections in to the joints, splinting the wrist or thumb. Splints are used in order to prevent the thumb from moving and causing pain.
If the pain does not better within six weeks most doctors will suggest that the patient undergo hand surgery Los Angeles or try other methods with natural medicines and acupuncture in which some patients find relief.