What Is Thumb Joint Pain?
The thumb joint (also known as the basal joint) is the hinge that allows you to perform hand motions most people take for granted, such as pinching, gripping, twisting, and grasping. Thumb joint pain or irritation can significantly affect hand function, making even the simplest tasks more painful and difficult.
One of the primary causes of thumb joint pain is arthritis, which develops as the protective cartilage in the joint starts to thin. Basal joint arthritis is especially common with aging, but repetitive hand use, prior injuries, ligament laxity, and joint instability can also contribute. Over time, the condition can lead to weakness, swelling, or awkwardness when performing routine tasks.
We treat thumb joint pain at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care with a personalized approach to preserve hand function for as long as possible. Led by Dr. Mairin Jerome, an experienced physiatrist and specialist in interventional orthobiologics, our practice offers a variety of nonsurgical treatments for Atlanta, GA patients suffering from thumb arthritis and other common sources of discomfort. Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help regain control over pain in your day-to-day life.
Our treatments at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care aren't limited to the thumb joint. Learn more about other conditions that can affect the hand and wrist.
How Do You Treat Thumb Joint Pain?
Thumb joint pain is typically diagnosed with a combination of a physical exam and x-ray imaging to determine whether the discomfort is caused by basal joint arthritis, tendon inflammation (De Quervain syndrome), trigger finger, or a ligament injury. Dr. Jerome may also learn more about your daily routine and medical history to identify contributing factors, such as repetitive hand motion or past trauma to the joint.
Once the issue has been diagnosed, Dr. Jerome will create a personalized treatment plan built around your needs. Treatment for thumb joint pain often includes physical therapy to strengthen the hand and improve movement patterns, bracing to support the joint throughout your day, or a combination of both. Dr. Jerome may also recommend one of our nonsurgical regenerative therapies, such as focused shockwaves or orthobiologic injections, to help the joint repair itself. Every treatment plan at our Atlanta, GA orthopedic practice is custom-tailored for each patient based on the severity of degeneration and how their condition is impacting their life.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment for Thumb Joint Pain?
We don't often think about the role our thumbs play in our daily lives, but for those who suffer from thumb joint arthritis or other painful joint conditions, the loss of strength and movement can be severely limiting. Treatment can help by improving patients' ability to continue performing daily activities with greater comfort and control, with potential benefits that include:
- Reducing pain during gripping, pinching, twisting, and other activities involving the hands
- Improving thumb stability during everyday movement and repetitive use
- Reducing irritation and inflammation within the thumb joint
- Improving grip strength and hand endurance throughout the day
- Supporting smoother thumb movement with less catching or strain
- Decreasing stress placed on the wrist and surrounding fingers
- Supporting long-term hand function
Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care Reviews
Dr Jerome is incredibly thorough and knowledgeable! She took time to speak with me about all treatment options and how to eliminate my pain. She not only got me moving again, she got my life back! I highly, unequivocally recommend Dr Jerome!
I met with Dr. Jerome after experiencing difficulties with stiffness in my back and legs which was creating difficulty walking. Prior to meeting with Dr. Jerome I met with several doctors including a Neurologist who diagnosed me with spinal stenosis and suggested trying some PT but was told there wasn't anything that could be done and this will be your new normal. I had a friend recommend seeing Dr. Jerome for a second opinion after the success he saw with his daughters and wife who had their own issues and their success. Dr. Jerome met with me and spent well over an hour evaluating my X-Rays and MRI's and determined the root cause and said that there wasn't any reason for my issues to be my new normal! She conducted 2 surgeries using my own blood platelets which improved my mobility and my life drastically! During that same evolution she identified an issue with my hip which had deteriorated and was developing bone spurs (no other doctor caught or identified that issue) she said that the damaged hip was beyond anything she could do to repair and suggested seeing a surgeon for a 2nd opinion. She was right and I recently had my hip replaced! In closing I have to say that in my 58 years of life I have never met with a doctor who spent as much time and focus with me in order to try and improve my circumstances and my life. Dr. Jerome in my opinion is the best doctor I have ever interacted with! I would highly recommend her to any friend, family member, or anyone for that matter! Any patient with the good fortune of having Dr. Jerome in their corner will be blessed with someone who truly cares for them and is the best at what she does! Forever grateful! Rob Edgeton West Des Moines, IA.
On Feb 20, 2023, I had my first appointment with Dr Mairin Jerome at Regenexx in Des Moines IA and on March 27, 2023. I was impressed by her inquiries into my health, she examined my knee, finding the pain areas with her hands and used a ultra sound to get a better idea of my knee. (It was so very different then my Ortho physician who took x-rays and stood across the room and told me I needed two complete knee replacements and when did I want to schedule it, I felt like I’d been hit by a 2 x 4). I had platelets a prolotherapy injection; into my R knee and lower back. I was amazed after two days I had low to no pain, I only used only two pain pills. I was told what every step of the procedure was and asked if I understood, Dr Jerome called that evening to check on how I was doing, I felt supported and she knew what was going on with my PT on my follow up visit. Dr Jerome went above and beyond what she needed to do to make me comfortable. On Sept 20, 2023 I had a stem cell procedure done on my L knee and it went as easily as the first procedure. There were extra stem cells so she put them into my L hip, sweet! Again, I feel Dr Jerome took that extra measure of patient care. I am sensitive to medications and usually take half of what is prescribed, she ‘listens’ and prescribed my pain meds in a smaller dose so that I didn’t have to deal with breaking pills up. For me it’s the little gestures that make a doctor great. Dr Jerome is an excellent doctor, I and many others in Des Moines, will miss her as she goes back east to practice. Kathleen McLean (age 73)
Dr. Jerome got to the root of my issues was able to treat my spine comprehensibly. Enjoyed her humor and patience with my veins! Very sad to see her leave Des Moines!
Dr. Jerome is very professional, attentive and caring. She takes the time to listen not only with her ears but her eyes and heart as well. She noted symptoms I didn't realize I had. She provided personal follow-ups, not just relying on her staff, and supplied emotional support when I felt my issues were crashing down around me. There are not enough words to properly thank you, Dr. Jerome, for all you have done for my knees, back, neck and hands.
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Restore Function to Your Hands
If you're experiencing symptoms of thumb arthritis or other painful thumb joint conditions, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jerome at the Center for Regenerative Sports & Spine Care. Our team proudly offers nonsurgical treatment for Atlanta, GA patients suffering from a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders and will work with you to reduce pain and improve function. Reach out to our practice today to learn more about treatment for thumb joint pain.