Worn out thumb joint

Believe it or not, the human body is not designed to play video games efficiently. The most popular style of controller is a two-handed controller with the thumbs doing most of the work. But this leads to the repetitive stress injury informally known as gamer's thumb. This condition affects the thumb and wrist. Pain and sometimes a popping sound are present on the outside of the thumb at or near the wrist.

Basal thumb arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis affecting the base of the thumb at the carpometacarpal joint. This joint consists of the articulation of a wrist bone called the trapezium with the first metacarpal bone, which forms the base of the thumb. The carpometacarpal joint is extremely mobile allowing the pivoting and swiveling motions of the thumb so essential for manipulation of the hand. This oft-used joint can become unstable and wear out over time. The ligaments can become lax and the cartilage of the joint can wear away causing pain and disability in susceptible individuals. The cause of Basal Thumb Arthritis is not known, however several risk factors have been associated with it.

Carpal metacarpal arthritis is arthritis at the base of the thumb joint. In a normal joint, cartilage covers the ends of each bone providing smooth and easy movement between the two surfaces. The cartilage can wear out due to daily use and occurs throughout life. It can also be injured by traumatic events.

Chances are, you probably know someone who's had a knee or hip replacement. Each year, more than , Americans undergo one of those procedures. But how about a knuckle replacement? Yes, it's possible to have the tiny joints in your fingers replaced with prostheses to ease the pain and suffering associated with arthritis. And although this type of surgery known as arthroplasty is still being perfected and is far less common for knuckles than for knees or hips, it can provide rapid relief to people whose hands are ailing.