Basal-joint-symptoms and arthritis pain.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of basal joints arthritis can include:

• Pain at base the of the thumb with use

• Aching joints at the base of the thumb that continues to be bothersome even after discontinuing use

• Deformity in the joint at the base of the thumb

• Tenderness of the base of the thumb

• Swelling in the joint at the base of the thumb

• Decreased strength in the basal joint

• Decreased range of motion

• Difficulty in doing tasks such as turning keys, doorknobs, jar lids, buttoning buttons and zipping zippers

• Severe pain when gripping

• Severe pain when pinching the thumb and fingers together

• Decreased ability to grip

• An unstable feeling in the basal joint

• An out of joint appearance at the base of the thumb • An enlarged, bony appearing joint at the base of the thumb

• Limited joint mobility

Cause:

• Exact cause of basal joints arthritis is unknown. Repetitive use and factors including injury, stress, muscle weakness, the aging process, heredity, and obesity may be contributing factors. Cartilage normally cushions the basal joint. When basal joint arthritis is involved cartilage cushioning degenerates and the bones rub together. This is what causes damage due to joint friction. Bone spurs of pure as the body attempts to repair the damage.

Increased risk factors include:

• Age (these joints arthritis generally happens after the age of 40).

• Gender (basal joints arthritis is more frequent in females).

• Past injuries to the basal joint including fractures, sprains, and jamming the thumb.

• Disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.

•Excessive use of the basal joints.

• The family history of basal joint arthritis.

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