Carpometacarpal joint arthritis, also called thumb arthritis, occurs due to the wearing off of the cartilage in the joint. Symptoms include pain, swelling, thumb weakness, bony prominence, and the sound of grinding or popping in the joint. Treatment involves ice compresses, anti-inflammatory medications, and wearing supportive splints. If this approach does not work, then surgery is recommended.
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I need your opinion about the need for surgery for a thumb injury.
Query: Hi doctor,A basketball hit my mother's left thumb and there is a regular pain for the last two years. The skin becomes harder in that area. Also, that arm becomes thinner as compared to the other arm. Please help. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. When was the basketball injury and how was it treated immediately? Was there any x-ray or doctor visit at that time? If so, kindly send them. The two recent x-rays (attachment removed to protect patient identity) seem to suggest first carpometacarpal joint arthritis... Read Full »
Can COVID cause carpometacarpal bossing?
Query: Hello doctor, I have painful wrist with bone swelling, which I think is carpometacarpal bossing. How can this be diagnosed? I have inflammatory arthritis in my left ankle, but it has been in remission, and I am off all medications. I have just recovered from COVID, so maybe this has caused the hand ... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read your query. I am sorry for such discomfort. Carpometacarpal bossing presents with a firm lump on the back of the wrist, and the lump does not move. It can be asymptomatic or present with pain or limiting the wrist's range of movement. Since when or how long... Read Full »