Ask an Expert: How Can an Occupational Therapist Help Me with CMC Thumb Arthritis?

Q: What is CMC thumb arthritis?

A: Thumb CMC joint arthritis (also known as basilar joint arthritis, osteoarthritis) is a “wear and tear” injury between a wrist bone and the base of the first thumb bone. Over time, the cartilage wears down and destruction of the bone surfaces occurs. Common symptoms include joint pain that increases with use, swelling, decreased motion, and stiffness. The injury is also more common in women and primarily affects individuals over 45 years old.

Q: How can an occupational therapist help me?

A: There are a variety of ways an occupational therapist can help with this injury. The first thing that can be done is fabrication of a custom splint for the patient to wear each day. By wearing a splint, it will decrease the amount of force on the joint, therefore, decreasing the “wear and tear”. The therapist will also provide exercises which can strengthen the muscles around the thumb to decrease the pain. And finally, the therapist will educate the patient on a variety of adaptive techniques/adaptive equipment that can be used to decrease pain of the involved structures.

 

Josh Eppinger, MOT, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and Certified Hand Therapist at Frederick Health Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab: Aspen Ridge in Frederick, Maryland. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Human Performance and Health and Master of Occupational Therapy from the West Virginia University School of Medicine. Josh’s professional interests include orthopedic injuries to the hand and upper extremity splinting.