Give Elevate Plastic Surgery a phone call at 818-330-3039
Contact

Receive Expert Treatment for Your Thumb Arthritis in Thousand Oaks

If you’re experiencing persistent pain, stiffness, and inflammation near the base of your thumb, you could potentially be suffering from thumb arthritis. This common condition, which tends to gradually become worse when left untreated, can have a major impact on your ability to function and complete daily tasks comfortably–especially if your work requires you to use your hands regularly. At Elevate Plastic Surgery, Dr. Rahgozar offers both diagnosis and quality treatment for thumb arthritis.

Logo media

What Is Thumb Arthritis?

Thumb arthritis is a condition that affects the joint at the base of the thumb. The condition is also known as basal joint arthritis or carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. The joint affected by thumb arthritis is essential for grasping and pinching movements, which can lead to frequent discomfort in day-to-day life.

Arthritis in the thumb occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joint wears away, causing the bones to rub against each other. This leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the thumb. Over time, the joint may become deformed, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as opening jars or turning door knobs. Thumb arthritis is more common in women than men, and it usually develops after the age of 40.

However, it can also occur in younger people who have injured their thumb or have a family history of arthritis. Risk factors for developing thumb arthritis include the following:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Family history of arthritis
  • Previous thumb injury
  • Repetitive thumb use, such as typing or playing an instrument
Woman in backyard

Symptoms of Thumb Arthritis

The symptoms of thumb arthritis can vary from person to person, but they generally include some or all of the following:

  • Pain or tenderness at the base of the thumb
  • Stiffness or limited range of motion in the thumb joint
  • Swelling or a bump at the base of the thumb
  • Weakness or loss of grip strength in the thumb
  • A grinding or clicking sensation when moving the thumb

Treatment Options for Thumb Arthritis

If you are suffering from thumb arthritis, there are several treatment options available to help alleviate your symptoms.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments are often the first line of defense against thumb arthritis. These treatments include:

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Splinting

A splint can help support the thumb joint and reduce pain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help improve the range of motion in the thumb joint and strengthen the muscles surrounding it.

Joint Injection

Injection of a steroid into the affected joint may help improve the symptoms.

Banner media

Surgical Treatments

In some cases, non-surgical treatments will be ineffective in alleviating the symptoms of thumb arthritis. For these patients, Dr. Rahgozar will likely recommend one of the following surgical procedures to treat the condition.

Joint Removal

This procedure involves removing the arthritic joint and stabilizing and supporting the thumb with the tendons in your wrist.

Joint Fusion

In this procedure, the bones in the joint are fused together, which eliminates movement in the joint and reduces pain caused by arthritis.

If you’re seeking treatment for thumb arthritis, the first step will be to sit down for a consultation with Dr. Rahgozar. He will examine your thumb and ask you about the specific symptoms you’ve experienced and any treatments you’ve already tried. With this info, he’ll be able to recommend an optimal treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms.

Recovering After Surgery for Thumb Arthritis

After undergoing surgery for thumb arthritis in Thousand Oaks, certain steps will be required to ensure that you recover properly from the procedure and enjoy the best possible results. Dr. Rahgozar will provide you with thorough instructions to ensure that your recovery period goes smoothly. Typically, this process will include the following:

Rest and Immobilization

Following surgery, your thumb will likely be immobilized with a splint or cast. It’s important to keep your thumb immobile and avoid using it for the first few weeks after surgery to allow for proper healing. Resting the affected hand and avoiding strenuous activities can also help speed up the recovery process.

Physical Therapy

After the initial healing period, Dr. Rahgozar may recommend physical therapy to help improve the range of motion and strength in your thumb. Physical therapy exercises may include gentle stretching, gripping exercises, and range of motion exercises.

Pain Management

It’s common to experience some pain and discomfort around your thumb after surgery. Dr. Rahgozar may prescribe pain medication to help manage these symptoms during the recovery period.

Follow-up Appointments

It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments with Dr. Rahgozar to ensure that your thumb is healing properly. He will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Background media
Doctor media

Why Choose Elevate Plastic Surgery for Thumb Arthritis Treatment in Thousand Oaks?

At Elevate Plastic Surgery, we offer a diverse variety of cutting-edge treatments in a warm, welcoming environment. Our staff surgeon, Dr. Paymon Rahgozar, is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in procedures of the hand and wrist. With extensive training at several prestigious institutions and years of hands-on experience, Dr. Rahgozar has refined his surgical techniques, allowing him to consistently deliver superb, life-changing results. He and our staff of dedicated practitioners will go above and beyond to help you get the quality treatment you need to restore your day-to-day comfort and quality of life. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rahgozar, simply reach out to our office today.

Intro background media

Schedule a Consultation Start Your Journey

Contact
Intro background media Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 818-330-3039.
Contact Us