Out of the bundle of diseases and problems related to a body part- how much do you care about your Thumb? The least concerned part of the body that helps you do stuff. Even if you are a little bothered, there are still things like thumb arthritis, which you lack knowledge about. And it is okay if you aren’t aware of- and want to know. We are here to make you wish, continue reading to learn about this type of arthritis.

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What is Thumb Arthritis?

This is the second most common type of arthritis in the hand. The condition is also known as basal joint arthritis. This is a type of degenerative (wear-and-tear) arthritis of thumb that mainly hits after the age of 40 years. The condition can be a hereditary disease.

When the cartilage which at the end of the bones forming joints at the base of the thumb- worn out with aging causes the situation of thumb arthritis.

Symptoms of  Thumb Arthritis

Coming to acknowledge symptoms- pain is the first sign and the most usual symptom. One can experience pain while performing simple activities or applying force. Besides, there will be other signs and symptoms which might include:

• Swelling

• Stiffness and tenderness

• Reduced mobility

• Declining strength while pinching or grasping objects

• An enlarged or dislocated appearance

• The bony appearance of the joint at the base of the thumb.

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Causes of Thumb Arthritis

Thumb joints, bones are covered with cartilage on the ends. Cartilage facilitates the smoothen moment of bones, where wear and tear with aging roughen the surface. When bones rub against each other, they may damage joint due to the roughening surface.

Factors such as aging, previous injury to the thumb or genetic predisposition in developing this condition.

Risk factors Involved

Risk factors do not state you will definitely suffer from thumb arthritis. Rather, it only depicts the likelihood of suffering from the condition. This section demonstrates various risk factors which the condition involves, which are as mentioned below:

1. Sex/ Gender: Considering the gender aspect- the female likely has a high chance of encountering the condition than the male section.

2. Age: The factor ‘Age’ is the standard risk factor involving the proneness of the condition. Where the wear-and-tear of the cartilage happens as you age. The condition tends to happen after the age of 40 years.

3. Count obesity one on the list.

4. Inherited: Thumb arthritis is considered to be related to hereditary conditions. Which means various inherited condition raises the risk of the condition.

5. Previous Trauma: This refers to any physical, previous injury to the thumb, as in, fractures and sprains. These can increase the risk of the condition.

6. Certain disease: There are some diseases which interfere with the normal function and structure of cartilage. Such diseases put you at risk of encountering this condition.

7 Certain activities and jobs put you at risk.

I hope by now you might have understood about the condition, its symptoms, and the risk factors that put you at risk of encountering the condition. For more details on the topic stay connected.

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