| Arthritis means inflammation of joints. It irritates and | | | | examination or an X-Ray. Further he may |
| destroys the joints. The major two types of arthritis | | | | recommend: |
| are- | | | | 1- Bone scans |
| Osteoarthritis - It is degenerative disease of the | | | | 2- CT Scans ( Computerized tomography) |
| joints in which the cartilage which provides padding | | | | 3- MRI ( Magnetic resonance imaging) |
| becomes weak and gradually disappears causing pain | | | | 4- Orthography |
| and less mobility. | | | | Cure- There is no permanent cure but measures can |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis - It affects not only the joints | | | | be taken to reduce the intensity of pain, swelling and |
| but also muscles, tendons and other tissues of the | | | | stiffness. The treatment can be surgical as well as |
| body. It is due to an inflammation of the lining of the | | | | non surgical. These are: |
| hands. | | | | 1- Medication- Doctors may suggest acetaminophen, |
| Thumb Arthritis - In this there is a structured change | | | | ibuprofen or aspirin in order to reduce pain and |
| of cartilage in the joint, at the base of the thumb | | | | inflammation. |
| and the wrist, commonly known as the basal carp | | | | 2- Splints- Use of a splint gives support and proper |
| metacarpal joint. It is more common in women than | | | | positioning. It restricts movement which helps in |
| men. It restricts the thumb to move in or out from | | | | reducing pain. These can be worn overnight or for |
| the palm area. The persistent pain and stiffness may | | | | the whole day. |
| affect the whole body and the body may be | | | | 3- Injections- In severe conditions, doctors |
| trapped by osteoarthritis gradually. | | | | recommend injecting cortisone. |
| Symptoms: | | | | 4- Surgery- Surgery is the last option and it has been |
| 1- Pain and stiffness | | | | found that 80 - 90% proves to be successful and |
| 2- Swelling at the base of the thumb. | | | | patients get relief from pain and inflammation. The |
| 3- Difficulty in movements involving pinching or | | | | different options available in surgery are: |
| gripping. | | | | 1- Replacement of the affected part with a metal or |
| 4- Deformed or distorted shape | | | | plastic component. |
| 5- Tenderness at the base | | | | 2- Fusion of bone and joint together. |
| Diagnosis - A doctor can diagnose this by a physical | | | | 3- Bone arching in case of deformity of bone. |