If you have pain at the base of your thumb, you may have a condition called rhizarthrosis. This is a type of arthritis that affects the joint where your thumb meets your wrist. It is very common, especially in women after menopause. This article explains what researchers found about treating this condition with a type of surgery called trapezectomy.
Here are three key points you need to know:
- Rhizarthrosis can cause your thumb to hurt and change shape over time.
- Doctors can treat it with splints, medicine, and injections before surgery.
- When those treatments do not work, surgery can help by removing a small bone.
Key Findings at a Glance
- Rhizarthrosis is most common in women after menopause.
- The condition damages the trapeziometacarpal joint, which is the joint at the base of your thumb.
- Without treatment, the thumb can develop a Z shaped or H shaped deformity that makes it hard to use.
- Doctors first try splints worn at night, pain medicine, and injections before considering surgery.
- Surgery called trapezectomy removes a small bone to reduce pain when other treatments fail.
In this article
What is rhizarthrosis?
Rhizarthrosis is a big word for arthritis at the base of your thumb. According to this study, it is a common disease that affects many people. It happens when the joint where your thumb connects to your wrist gets damaged.
This joint is special because it moves in many directions. That is what lets you grab things and pinch with your thumb. But this also means the joint is not very stable. It has to handle very high forces every time you use your thumb.
You may be wondering why this matters. Research shows that because this joint is so unstable and works so hard, it wears out easily. That is why degenerative damage happens so often in this spot.
How do doctors know you have it?
According to this study, clinical diagnosis is easy. That means doctors can often tell you have rhizarthrosis just by talking to you and examining your hand. If you feel pain at the base of your thumb, that is the main clue.
But doctors do not stop there. They take X-rays to see inside your hand. These pictures confirm that the trapeziometacarpal joint is damaged. Sometimes the X-rays show that the arthritis has spread to the joints next to it.
Here is where it gets interesting. The diagnosis is straightforward, but what happens next depends on how much the disease has progressed.
What happens over time if you do not treat it?
Research shows that rhizarthrosis has a specific pattern of progression. That means it changes in predictable ways over time. At first, the pain may be the worst part. But as time goes on, something strange can happen: the pain may actually get better.
However, that relief comes at a cost. Your thumb can develop a deformity. This means your thumb changes shape. According to this study, the thumb column can bend into a Z shape or an H shape.
This deformity can be functionally disabling. That means it can make it very hard to use your thumb for everyday tasks like buttoning your shirt, opening jars, or holding a pen.
What treatments help before surgery?
Let us look closer at what doctors try first. According to this study, treatment is based on several different approaches. The goal is to reduce your pain and help you use your thumb better.
Splints worn at night
One of the first treatments is long term nocturnal splinting. Nocturnal means at night. So doctors will ask you to wear a splint that holds your thumb still while you sleep. This gives the joint a chance to rest.
Medicines to reduce pain
You can also take pain medicines. The study mentions analgesics, which are medicines that stop pain. Doctors may also suggest NSAIDs. These are medicines that reduce swelling and pain at the same time.
Injections into the joint
If splints and pills do not help enough, doctors can give you injections. These are shots that go right into the painful joint. Research shows that doctors use two types of injections for rhizarthrosis:
- Corticoid injections: These are steroid medicines that reduce swelling very quickly.
- Hyaluronic acid injections: This is a thick fluid that acts like a cushion inside the joint.
You may be wondering if these injections really work. According to this study, the effectiveness of these injections needs to be better evaluated. That means doctors are still learning how well they work and for how long.
When is surgery needed?
Surgery is not the first choice. Doctors only consider it in the event of failure. That means if all the other treatments do not help you enough, then surgery becomes an option.
What kind of surgery do doctors do?
According to this study, the most common surgery is called trapezectomy. This means the surgeon removes the trapezium bone. Remember, that is the small bone in your wrist that is part of the painful joint.
The study also mentions that doctors sometimes use a prosthesis instead. A prosthesis is an artificial joint made of metal or plastic that replaces the damaged joint. But this is much less common. Research shows that trapezectomy is done more often.
Why remove a bone instead of replacing the joint?
This is a great question. Trapezectomy has been used for many years and doctors know it works well. Removing the bone is simpler than putting in an artificial joint. It also avoids problems that can happen with prostheses, like the artificial joint wearing out or coming loose over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who gets rhizarthrosis?
According to this study, rhizarthrosis most frequently affects women after menopause. Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her monthly periods stop, usually around age 50. However, anyone can develop this condition if the joint at the base of the thumb wears out over time.
Can I avoid surgery?
Research shows that many people can manage rhizarthrosis without surgery. Doctors first try splints, pain medicines, and injections. Surgery is only needed when these treatments fail to give you enough relief.
Will my thumb look normal after trapezectomy?
The study does not give details about appearance after surgery, but it does explain that trapezectomy is done to treat pain and improve function. Your doctor can tell you more about what to expect after this surgery.
How long does it take to recover from thumb surgery?
The abstract does not provide information about recovery time. You will need to talk with your surgeon about how long healing takes and when you can use your thumb again.
About This Site
This site is here to help you understand thumb pain and rhizarthrosis. We simplify medical science so you can make informed decisions about your health. Every article on this site is based only on published scientific research. We do not make up facts or give opinions. We read the studies so you do not have to. Feel free to explore more articles to learn about your condition and your treatment options.
Final Thoughts
If you have pain at the base of your thumb, you are not alone. Rhizarthrosis is a common condition, especially for women after menopause. The good news is that doctors have many ways to help. They start with simple treatments like splints and medicine. If those do not work, injections may help. And if you still have pain, surgery called trapezectomy can remove the damaged bone and give you relief.
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor. They can examine your hand, take X-rays, and help you choose the treatment that is right for you. Do not wait until your thumb gets so bent that it is hard to use. Getting help early can make a big difference.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. It does not replace a visit to your doctor. Always talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms and treatment options. Only a doctor who examines you can give you personal medical advice.
Research Source
El Farhaoui, Amine; Lachkar, Adnane; Najib, Abdeljaouad; Yacoubi, Hicham (2025). Trapeziectomy in the treatment of rhizarthrosis: Surgical technique and functional evaluation. PRSM.
https://doi.org/10.34874/prsm/rmacot-n109.3749
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