What is Rhizarthrosis

If you feel pain or stiffness at the base of your thumb, it could be rhizarthrosis. This condition is a form of arthritis affecting an important thumb joint. It can make simple tasks like gripping or opening jars difficult. Many people find it frustrating and painful to manage. Rhizarthrosis is most common in older adults and women. Despite this, many people are unsure about what it actually is. They often don’t know how the condition develops. This article will help explain rhizarthrosis in simple terms. We will cover its causes and the symptoms you should look out for. You’ll also learn about treatment options that can help manage the condition and keep your hand functioning well.

What is Rhizarthrosis?

Rhizarthrosis is a common form of arthritis that affects the base of the thumb. It is also known as trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. The trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint connects the thumb’s first metacarpal bone to the trapezium bone in the wrist. This joint plays a key role in thumb movement. It plays a crucial role in thumb mobility, allowing movements like gripping, pinching, and twisting. Rhizarthrosis is more common in women and typically develops with age. It is a chronic condition that can cause pain and limit hand function if not managed properly.

Causes and Risk Factors of Rhizarthrosis

Rhizarthrosis mainly results from wear and tear of the cartilage within the thumb joint over time. This degenerative process leads to pain and stiffness. Using the thumb repeatedly or putting too much pressure on the joint can speed up arthritis development. Injuries like ligament tears or fractures may trigger the condition as well. Some individuals have naturally lax ligaments or joint hypermobility, increasing their risk. Women, especially after menopause, are more often affected, possibly due to hormonal changes. Certain occupations involving manual work or repeated thumb motions also increase risk. Genetic factors can influence susceptibility.

Symptoms and Signs of Rhizarthrosis

Symptoms usually start slowly. You might feel pain or tenderness at the base of your thumb. This pain often gets worse when you grip, pinch, or twist, like when opening jars or turning keys. Your thumb may feel stiff and harder to move. You might notice your thumb is weaker, making everyday tasks more difficult. The joint can swell or develop a hard bump, sometimes making it look square-shaped. Some people also hear clicking or grinding sounds when they move their thumb. These symptoms can make using your hand painful and affect your daily life.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain at the base of the thumb during use
• Tenderness and swelling around the joint
• Stiffness and reduced movement
• Decreased grip strength
• Visible joint enlargement or deformity
• Clicking or grinding sounds
  
  

Diagnosis of Rhizarthrosis

Diagnosis starts with a detailed medical history and physical examination. The doctor will ask about symptoms, hand use, and past injuries. The thumb grind test is often used to detect joint damage. The doctor checks for swelling, lumps, or deformities. X-rays help confirm diagnosis by showing joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and bone cysts. Other conditions such as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, trigger thumb, or wrist arthritis may be ruled out. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

Stages of Rhizarthrosis (Eaton-Littler Classification)

Rhizarthrosis progresses in stages that reflect increasing joint damage:

• Stage I: Joint appears mostly normal with possible inflammation but no bone spurs. Joint space may be normal or slightly widened from swelling.
• Stage II: Mild narrowing of joint space, small bone spurs form, and slight looseness or subluxation of the joint may be present.
• Stage III: Significant cartilage loss, cystic bone changes, moderate joint subluxation, and larger bone spurs. Nearby joints may start to be affected.
• Stage IV: Severe joint destruction, major subluxation, and damage to adjacent joints cause significant pain and disability.
  
  

Treatment Options for Rhizarthrosis

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

Non-surgical treatments can ease symptoms, especially early on:

• Avoid activities that cause repetitive pinching or gripping
• Physiotherapy exercises to improve thumb movement, strength, and coordination
• Wearing splints to support the thumb at night or during painful activities
• Pain relief with topical NSAIDs, oral analgesics, and corticosteroid injections
• Use of heat or cold packs to manage pain and swelling
• Alternative therapies such as ultrasound, TENS, or acupuncture may benefit some
  
  

Surgical Treatments

Surgery is reserved for severe cases where pain and disability persist despite conservative care:

• Arthroscopy to remove damaged tissue or part of the trapezium bone
• Arthroplasty to reconstruct or replace the joint with implants like the Swanson prosthesis
• Arthrodesis, or fusion, to stabilise the joint but limit movement
• Trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction to remove the trapezium and support the thumb with tendons
• Other options include joint denervation or suspensionplasty to reduce pain and restore stability
  
  

Recommended Support for Rhizarthrosis: Ergonomic Thumb Spica Splint

Living with the pain and stiffness of rhizarthrosis can be challenging, but the right support can make a big difference. An ergonomic thumb spica splint gently holds the base of your thumb, easing pressure on the sore joint while still allowing your hand to move comfortably. This makes daily tasks like gripping jars or turning keys easier. With adjustable straps, you can get a snug fit that works for you, whether during the day or at night. The breathable fabric keeps your skin comfortable, even after hours of wear. This simple splint can reduce swelling and help protect the joint, offering relief without the need for surgery.

Also read : What is Medial Subluxation

Prevention and Lifestyle Tips

To help prevent rhizarthrosis, it’s important to ease the strain on your thumb joint. Try to avoid doing the same gripping movements over and over or holding on too tightly to heavy objects. Using tools designed to be easier on your hands, like ergonomic grips or supports, can make a big difference. Keeping your hands strong and flexible with regular exercises also helps protect your joints. If you start noticing any early signs of discomfort, don’t hesitate to get medical advice to catch it early and slow things down. Making small changes in how you work and handle tasks at home can really reduce pain and make daily hand use easier.

Conclusion

Rhizarthrosis is a common arthritis affecting the thumb base joint, leading to pain and impaired hand function. It mainly develops with age and is more frequent in women. Early symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling at the thumb base. Diagnosis is through physical exam and X-rays. Most people benefit from non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy, splints, and pain relief. Surgery may be required for advanced cases. Early care and lifestyle adjustments can help maintain hand strength and quality of life.