Beware, Saddle Thumb Joints Prone to Arthritis

Not many people know that the saddle joint of the thumb is one of the joints that is often used. Therefore also, these joints are more at risk of injury and even developing arthritis, compared to other joints in the hand. As the name implies, the shape of the thumb joint saddle resembles a saddle on a horse that is convex on one side and concave on the other side. The saddle joint allows the limbs to move forward and back or sideways left and right, but cannot rotate or spin in all directions. The saddle joint in the thumb can actually develop arthritis if it is used excessively continuously.

Arthritis in the Saddle Joints

Arthritis is a disorder in the joints that causes inflammation in one or several joints. Arthritis in the saddle joint of the thumb is generally experienced by those who are older. This condition occurs when worn cartilage is separated from the bone forming the thumb joint, also called the carpometacarpal joint (CMC). Under normal circumstances, cartilage protects the bone ends and acts as a cushion to reduce friction between bones. When cartilage is damaged by arthritis in the saddle joints, the bones then rub against each other and cause damage to the joints. This damage can also cause the growth of new bone on the side of the bone that has been there before, which will eventually form a lump in the joint of the thumb. Saddle joint arthritis makes it difficult for sufferers to make simple movements, such as opening a jar or turning a door handle. This is due to joint saddle arthritis of the thumb can cause swelling, pain, and reduced strength and area of ​​movement of the thumb.

Symptoms of Arthritis in the Saddle Joints of the Thumb

Pain in the lower part of the thumb is the initial and main symptom of arthritis in the saddle joint of the thumb. This pain arises especially when the patient is holding, grasping, or pinching an object. Besides pain, sufferers can also feel swelling and stiffness at the base of the thumb. Bones at the base of the thumb can also be seen to be enlarged, as the area of ​​movement decreases and the strength to move objects is reduced. There are several risk factors that can increase a person's chance of developing arthritis in the saddle joint of the thumb, namely:

• Female sex.
• Obesity.
• Age above 40 years.
• History of joint injuries, such as sprains or bones
• Genetic health disorders, such as abnormal joint formation or weak connective tissue in the joints.
• The habit of pressing the thumb joint continuously in their daily activities.
• Diseases that change the structure and function of cartilage, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis Treatment of the Saddle Joints

Arthritis in the saddle joint of the thumb can be treated with non-operative treatment methods or with surgery. Some non-operative treatment methods for arthritis, namely:

• Drugs

Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken to reduce pain and in more severe cases doctors may give corticosteroid injections to relieve swelling.

• Splint

This tool limits the movement of the wrist and thumb, and supports the joints, with the aim of reducing pain, resting the joints, and helping to restore the joints in the right position.

• Cold and warm compresses

Giving a cold compress interspersed with warm compresses for 10-15 minutes can help reduce swelling and pain. This cold compress can be done several times a day.

If the above treatment methods do not produce the expected results, your doctor may recommend treatment steps through surgical procedures. Types of operations that can be done, namely joint replacement (arthroplasty), joint fusion (arthrodesis), bone reposition that supports the joint (osteotomy), and removal of bones in the saddle joint of the thumb (trapeziectomy). Splints or casts must be worn postoperatively for about six weeks to help the recovery process. In addition, physiotherapy is also needed to restore the strength and movement of the hand as before. If there are symptoms in the saddle joint of the thumb so that you cannot carry out your normal activities, you should consult a doctor for further treatment.