| Basal joint arthritis mostly affects people over the | | | | can become very difficult. |
| age of forty. It can cause a great deal of pain and | | | | What Are the Symptoms of Basal Joint Arthritis? |
| reduce the ability to perform many tasks. There are | | | | One of the first signs of this condition is pain at the |
| many symptoms that point to the development of | | | | bottom or joint of the thumb. However, as the |
| this type of arthritis. There are also a variety of | | | | condition worsens, you may experience swelling, |
| treatment options for those who experience this | | | | tenderness, or even stiffness in the joint. In severe |
| condition. If you believe you may be developing this | | | | situations, you may notice an irregular popping in the |
| condition, consider the following things. | | | | joint. In the beginning, you may have a slight |
| What Causes Basal Joint Arthritis? | | | | discomfort in the joint, but after time it will turn into |
| The exact root or cause of this disease is unknown. | | | | pain. |
| However, it is believed that certain factors can | | | | Are There Treatments For Basal Joint Arthritis? |
| contribute to development of the condition. People | | | | As with any other form of arthritis, there are |
| over the age of forty are most commonly affected | | | | treatment options. However, prevention is the most |
| because cartilage can wear out over time. Having a | | | | effective form of treatment. It is also the easiest |
| job or hobby that requires constant use of the joint | | | | thing to do. Fortunately, if you are beyond the point |
| can also increase the chances of development. | | | | of prevention there are treatment options. Most |
| Previous injuries, such as sprains or fractures, of this | | | | doctors say that staying active is the best thing you |
| joint can also be a major factor. Certain hereditary | | | | can do. If you reduce the amount that you use the |
| conditions, such as defective cartilage, can also | | | | joint, it may become stiff. There are a number of |
| increase your risk. Having more than one of these | | | | devices and medications that can reduce pain as well. |
| risk factors can double or triple your chances of | | | | Your physician may suggest a temporary splint or an |
| developing this condition. | | | | injection of corticosteroids to alleviate pain. There is |
| How Does Basal Joint Arthritis Affect Your Life? | | | | no permanent fix for any type of arthritis, but these |
| The basal or thumb joint is used to perform many | | | | treatment options can help you live a normal life. |
| daily tasks. Opening jars, gripping or holding an object, | | | | Arthritis does not have to debilitate the way you |
| and performing simple tasks may be affected. | | | | perform or eliminate the activities you enjoy. Many |
| Consider how much the thumb is used to carry | | | | people live completely normal lives when suffering |
| objects or grasp them and you will realize this | | | | from this condition. Each year, there are many |
| condition can severely limit your activity. Something | | | | advances in the treatment of arthritis. However, |
| as simple as brushing your teeth can be difficult and | | | | maintaining a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce your |
| painful, as you attempt to grip the brush. If you | | | | chances of developing this condition all together. |
| perform a job that requires you to use your hands, it | | | | |