RHIZARTHROSIS: WHEN YOUR THUMB LIMITS YOUR DAILY MOVEMENTS

Rhizarthrosis is a frequent form of osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb, at the trapeziometacarpal joint. Highly disabling in everyday life, it hinders simple, repetitive gestures such as turning a key, opening a jar or grasping an object.

Characteristic symptoms

• Pain at the base of the thumb, often radiating to the wrist

• Discomfort with pincer movements (holding a pen, turning a wrench, etc.).

• Loss of hand strength

• Visible deformity of the thumb, bump at the base of the thumb, sometimes "Z" shaped thumb

• Sensation of cracking or joint instability

What treatment options are available?

Treatment is based on a combination of options, depending on the stage of the disease:

• Wearing an orthosis at night or during strenuous activities

• Targeted physiotherapy to strengthen stabilizing muscles

• Corticosteroid infusions to relieve inflammatory pain

• Regenerative medicine: Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections

• Surgery: in the event of failure of medical treatment, various techniques are possible, but the Gold Standard is trapeziometacarpal prosthesis.

Early treatment can preserve autonomy and limit the progression to loss of function.