{"id":976,"date":"2023-08-24T13:19:44","date_gmt":"2023-08-24T05:19:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nowserving.ph\/blog\/?p=976"},"modified":"2026-01-19T15:45:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T07:45:03","slug":"thumb-arthritis-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nowserving.ph\/blog\/thumb-arthritis-test\/","title":{"rendered":"The Thumb Arthritis Test \u2013 A Quick Guide on Learning About Thumb Arthritis and Self-Testing At Home\ufffc"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you experiencing pain or discomfort at the base of your thumb and is the pain bothering you in doing your daily activities? Let\u2019s walk through a quick guide on understanding thumb arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Thumb Arthritis Test?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"thumb<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A thumb arthritis test is performed by doctors to evaluate the joint condition at the base of the thumb also known as the carpometacarpal joint (CMC joint). The result would be considered positive if the patient experienced pain during the examination that would confirm thumb arthritis.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CMC joint or thumb arthritis is distinguished by joint cartilage deterioration that causes bone to bone grinding due to a lack of bone cushion which results in thumb pain, inflammation, and limited range of movement. Thumb assessment involves moving the thumb around and adding pressure against the base of the thumb or wrist area while looking out for grinding sounds or painful areas that would suggest cartilage wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are four stages of thumb arthritis\/osteoarthritis<\/a> according to the Eaton-Litter classification<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage<\/strong><\/td>Radiographic description<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Stage 1<\/td>slight CMC joint space widening<\/td><\/tr>
Stage 2<\/td>slight narrowing of the joint space (CMC) with sclerosis and cystic changes, presence of osteophytes (bone lumps that grow on bones or around joints), and loose bodies < than 2 mm<\/td><\/tr>
Stage 3<\/td>advanced CMC joint space narrowing, sclerosis, cystic changes, presence of osteophytes or loose bodies > 2 mm<\/td><\/tr>
Stage 4<\/td>arthritic changes in the CMC joint as in Stage 3 with scaphotrapezial arthritis<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
  Abbreviation: CMC, carpometacarpal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Demographics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The hands and the hips are the second most affected areas by osteoarthritis next to the knee joints. Arthritis of the thumb joint is predominantly seen in women more than men and is associated with aging. Other risk factors include patients with a family history of arthritis<\/a>, overweight<\/a>, menopause<\/a>, joint laxity, occupational exposure, and previous joint injury. A meta-analysis study<\/a> reported the radiographic prevalence rate of thumb base arthritis for 50-year-old male and female patients was 5.8% and 7.3%, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diagnosis, signs, and symptoms<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thumb arthritis symptoms include pain, grasp and pinch weakness, inflammation, thumb base discomfort, and limited range of motion of the thumb. If you’re suffering any of those signs, it’s best to get a proper diagnosis of thumb arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors would perform the following to properly diagnose thumb arthritis:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n