Arthritis of the Thumb
Understanding Arthritis of the Thumb
Arthritis of the thumb, also known as basal joint arthritis or thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis, is a condition that affects the joint at the base of the thumb. It is a common form of osteoarthritis and can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility in the hand.
Symptoms of Arthritis of the Thumb
Common symptoms of thumb arthritis include:
- Thumb pain, especially with gripping or pinching
- Tenderness and swelling at the base of the thumb
- Decreased strength and range of motion in the thumb
- Development of a bony bump at the base of the thumb joint
- Pain and stiffness that worsens with activity
Causes of Arthritis of the Thumb
Thumb arthritis can develop due to various factors, including:
- Age: The risk of thumb arthritis increases with age, as the joint cartilage naturally wears down over time.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop thumb arthritis than men.
- Previous thumb injury: Trauma or repeated stress to the thumb joint can lead to arthritis.
- Genetics: Certain inherited traits may make an individual more susceptible to developing thumb arthritis.
- Occupational factors: Certain occupations that involve repetitive thumb motions or heavy use of the thumb joint may increase the risk.
Treatment Options
When it comes to managing arthritis of the thumb, Thrive Rolfing offers a range of alternative and natural treatment options tailored to your specific needs. Our holistic approach focuses on enhancing the body's innate ability to heal and restore function. Some of the treatment options for thumb arthritis include:
Rolfing Structural Integration
Rolfing is a hands-on therapy that improves posture, alignment, and joint mobility. By releasing tension and realigning the body's structure, Rolfing can alleviate pain and improve overall functioning. Our skilled practitioners use various techniques to address the underlying imbalances contributing to thumb arthritis.
Therapeutic Massage
Our therapeutic massage sessions are designed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote better circulation to the affected area. Massage can help relax tight muscles, improve joint mobility, and enhance overall well-being.
Physical Therapy
Our experienced physical therapists can guide you through exercises and stretching routines to strengthen the thumb muscles, increase flexibility, and improve joint stability. These targeted interventions can help manage pain and restore optimal thumb function.
Nutritional Support
At Thrive Rolfing, we believe in the power of optimized nutrition to support the body's healing process. Our team of experts can provide dietary recommendations, supplements, and lifestyle modifications that may help reduce inflammation and promote joint health.
Lifestyle Modifications
In addition to our therapeutic interventions, we encourage you to make certain lifestyle modifications that can alleviate thumb arthritis symptoms. These may include ergonomic adaptations, such as using assistive devices or modifying certain activities to reduce thumb stress.
Find Relief and Improve Your Well-being
Don't let thumb arthritis limit your activities and quality of life. Thrive Rolfing offers an integrated approach to treating the root causes of your thumb arthritis, providing lasting relief and improved well-being. Our knowledgeable practitioners are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health using alternative and natural medicine techniques.
Contact Thrive Rolfing today to schedule a consultation and embark on your healing journey. Our team is committed to supporting you every step of the way.