Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Osteoarthritis in upper thumb joint

27 replies

PositivelyGlowing · 01/03/2024 20:41

Confirmed by my physio (who has many years of experience with all kinds of issues and has seen arthritis an awful lot).

Usually osteoarthritis affects the lower thumb joint but of course I have to be different and it's in the upper joint.

Any tips on treatment please? Or should I see a Rheumatologist?

OP posts:

Original poster

PositivelyGlowing · 04/03/2024 14:47

Chewbecca · 04/03/2024 11:30

Splints can also be damaging so it's best to get advice on splints from a physio or NHS services (I know, not often easy to access!).

That's vary true. I intend to use mine only when really necessary, so if the symptoms are flaring up badly for example and sometimes when gardening to protect the thumb, but that's it).

OP posts:

Calderadust · 04/03/2024 16:28

PositivelyGlowing · 04/03/2024 08:36

I've read that steroid injections aren't a good idea because they primarily block the pain so resulting in even more damage, also that they become less effective as time goes by.

Show quote history

Yes it is a form of pain management and by no means a lasting solution to the underlying problem. I suppose surgery is the long term fix, I'm not sure about whether they do that for thumbs though? Unfortunately, I have heard so many people complaining about what a waste of time surgery is, eg ongoing pain and needing multiple replacements.

Flip

1 2