If you’ve been feeling pain in your thumb or have been told you might have rhizarthrosis, you’re not alone. Rhizarthrosis is a kind of osteoarthritis that specifically affects the thumb. But what does that mean, and why does it happen?
The article by Mas Garriga (2014) explores osteoarthritis, explaining what it is, what causes it, how it’s classified, and how it presents itself. Here are some key points:
- Osteoarthritis is mainly caused by imbalances in how your joint tissues repair themselves.
- Rhizarthrosis is one common form of thumb osteoarthritis, often linked to age and other risk factors.
- Risk factors include natural ones like age and genetics, and things you can change, like weight.
In this article:
- What is rhizarthrosis, really?
- Why does this happen to our joints?
- What else should you know?
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- Disclaimer
- Study citation
What is rhizarthrosis, really?
Rhizarthrosis is a form of osteoarthritis, and osteoarthritis is a disease where the joints experience wear and tear. It happens because of imbalances between how cells build up and break down the cartilage. Cartilage is the firm yet flexible tissue that protects the ends of your bones where they meet in a joint.
In the case of rhizarthrosis, this wear affects the base of your thumb and the joint that lets it move. Symptoms often include pain, stiffness, and difficulty gripping or holding things.
Why does this happen to our joints?
You may be wondering why this matters. Here is where it gets interesting. Osteoarthritis happens because of mechanical (physical strain) and biological (body process) problems that affect your joints.
- Mechanical problems: These include wear and tear, strain, or too much load being placed on the joints. For example, repeated stress on your thumb may increase the risk of rhizarthrosis.
- Biological problems: These are changes inside your body that happen with age, like slower cartilage repair or inflammation that doesn’t go away. Your body also may grow extra bone tissue, which can make things worse.
Risk factors for osteoarthritis can either be things you cannot change, like your age and genes, or things you can control, like losing excess weight to reduce joint strain.
What else should you know?
Let us look closer at rhizarthrosis compared to other forms of osteoarthritis:
| Type | Body Part Affected | Prevalence |
|---|---|---|
| Knee osteoarthritis | Knee joint | 10.2% |
| Hand osteoarthritis (includes rhizarthrosis) | Thumb and finger joints | 6.2% |
| Hip osteoarthritis | Hip joint | 3.5%–5.6% (in people aged 50+) |
Rhizarthrosis is different because it impacts your ability to grip objects and can really impact your day-to-day life.
FAQ
Q1: What causes thumb pain?
A: Thumb pain can be caused by rhizarthrosis, which is a type of osteoarthritis. This happens when the joint at the base of your thumb wears down over time, leading to pain and stiffness.
Q2: What can I do to prevent osteoarthritis?
A: You can’t change things like your age or genetics, but maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding activities that cause repetitive strain to your joints might help lower your risk.
Q3: At what age does rhizarthrosis typically develop?
A: It’s more common in people aged 50 and older, but it can happen earlier if your thumb has been overused or injured.
Q4: Is there a cure for osteoarthritis?
A: Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition. While it can’t be cured, its symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes, medications, and treatments suggested by your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Thumb pain or rhizarthrosis might feel like a small problem, but it’s worth paying attention to it early. If these symptoms sound familiar, consider consulting a healthcare professional. Lifestyle changes, such as healthy weight management, can also reduce your risk of joint issues.
This site is here to help you understand your pain and conditions like rhizarthrosis in simple terms. It’s based entirely on reliable research and scientific articles. Feel free to browse around for more helpful content about thumb pain.
Disclaimer
This blog post is purely for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options tailored to your needs.
Study citation
Mas Garriga, X. (2014). Definition, etiology, classification and presentation forms.