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OA in base of thumb

Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2020 12:15 pm
by Guest Posts
I have been told I have a small amount of OA in the base of my thumb, I think it triggered many years ago from smashing my hand into a wall to prevent myself from falling! I have noticed over the last few months that the pain in the base of my thumb has got worse and the movement of the thumb restricted. Also when turn my palm upwards, the base of my thumb looks quite lined and wrinkly compared to my other hand… which is plumb. What can I do to stop what appears to be the deterioration of it and in fact can I stop it getting worse?
Thanks, Mary

Re: OA in base of thumb

Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2020 10:06 am
by Matthew Rogers
I can see how this would be very frustrating for you if it’s making it difficult for you to do the things you want to. If the muscles in the palm are getting a lot less plump, you should probably ask your GP to take a second look to assess the nerves of the hand. If the GP feels that this is just because the muscles are getting a little weak, stretching and strengthening exercises may well help. I have developed a number of exercises sheets for the charity Arthritis Action that you may find helpful. You can access these for free from https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/livi ... exercises/

If gripping is difficult, there are a number of aids and gadgets that might help with tasks such as opening cans and jars https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/livi ... actsheets/

I hope you find this advice useful. If you would like further advice from a healthcare professional or to try some manual therapy, an osteopath might be able to help. You can find your nearest osteopath by visiting https://members.iosteopathy.org/find-an-osteopath

Re: OA in base of thumb

Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2020 3:38 pm
by Tracy Corbett
Dear Mary
I would recommend asking your GP to refer you to your nearest Hand Therapy Unit. Hands therapists are occupational therapists and physiotherapists who specialise in conditions of the hands and wrists. This is a highly specialised area and they will be best able to advise you on suitable exercises, pain relief modalities and may be able to help with braces or supports and assistive devices.