Hand and Upper Extremity

What is thumb arthritis?

Thumb arthritis is most common in the thumb carpometacarpal joint, between the base of the thumb metacarpal and a wrist bone (the trapezium).  Thumb arthritis is sometimes referred to as basal joint arthritis. Due to the stresses with everyday activities, basal joint arthritis is very common. 

The thumb is the single most important digit in the hand, accounting for 40% of hand function. The thumb basal joint is subjected to a tremendous amount of force with pinching and grasping activities.

The elbow joint is complex.  The elbow joint consists of three different bones (the humerus, the radius, and the ulna) with different articulations (the ulnohumeral joint, the radiocapitellar joint, and the proximal radioulnar joint).

The combination of elbow flexion and extension, as well as forearm rotation, allows for placement of the hand for activities of daily living.

In addition to severe elbow pain, the stiffness from elbow arthritis can become disabling, making it difficult to perform simple activities.

Dupuytren's disease is an abnormal thickening of the fascia, or tissue beneath the skin, in the palm of the hand. Patients with Dupuytren's disease will notice palpable nodules and tight cords in their palm and fingers. As Dupuytren's disease progresses, the thickened fascia of the palm will cause the fingers to bend into the palm. This is called a contracture. Dupuytren's disease is typically not painful, although there may be some discomfort as the nodules and cords grow beneath the skin.

Hand Therapists