Basal joint arthritis: how can you keep working without aggravating the pain?

Basal joint arthritis, a form of osteoarthritis affecting the trapeziometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb, can significantly impact the way you perform your day-to-day tasks and activities – including at work. Symptoms ranging from pain to loss of strength and the limitations on hand movement can make certain tasks difficult or even impossible, unless you adjust.

But don’t despair! There are all sorts of ways of adapting your home and workplace and the way you work, to allow you to use your hands as normal and continue working with everything adapted for you.

👉 Click on ‘Understanding basal joint arthritis’ to find out more about the condition.

Understanding the impact of basal joint arthritis at work

Basal joint arthritis affects the joint between the trapezium (a bone in the wrist) and the first metacarpal (the bone connecting to the thumb). In many occupations a lot of strain can be placed on this joint, in particular when you need to:

  • Grasp, pinch or hold an object, e.g. a pen, many types of tools or a computer mouse.
  • Exert force, e.g. carrying loads, screwing or cutting.
  • Repeat the same movements, which can accentuate inflammatory pain.

Certain manual professions (hairdressing, crafts, catering, the care industry, etc.) are more at risk, but people with sedentary jobs, e.g. working at a computer, may also experience discomfort or pain from basal joint arthritis if the tools, instruments and equipment they use for their work are not adapted.

Adapt the way you work: how you use your hands and your workplace

Rethink day-to-day tools, instruments and equipment

You can often relieve pain and limit joint fatigue just by making simple adjustments:

  • Use wider-body, softer ergonomic pens to limit the strain placed on your thumb.
  • Use a vertical mouse or trackball to relax the base of your thumb.
  • Try to avoid certain types of hand movement (type on a keyboard rather than writing by hand, use power tools rather than hand tools).

Good to know: there are specific grips, handles and tools for people with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). They are often designed in conjunction with occupational therapists and can significantly alleviate discomfort.

Main tenant une souris sur un bureau.

Adapt your hand position and your work routine

It is very important to try and keep your hands in a neutral position, with no strain on your wrists. Some useful tips:

  • Keep your wrists straight when you are typing or using a mouse.
  • Avoid forceful or constantly repetitive hand movements.
  • Take regular breaks to relax the muscles and so that you are not always using your joints the same way.

It is also vital to organise your workstation correctly: desk height, arm support, brightness, etc. If you have got it laid out well, it can help to reduce muscular compensation and consequently secondary pain (shoulder, neck, etc.).

Talk to your employer or company doctor

Although it is often difficult to start talking about it, it is really vital that you do so. Basal joint arthritis is an invisible condition, but it can have a major impact on your occupational quality-of-life.

  • Your company doctor has an important role to play. He/she can recommend specific adjustments and come up with proposals, based on your position and workstation.

  • Your employer, once informed, can implement technical adjustments (equipment, organisation, schedule).

  • An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can also help by analysing your hand movements and proposing customised solutions.

Are there ways of treating basal joint arthritis?

Yes. In addition to adaptations to the workplace and at work, there are a number of other ways of treating basal joint arthritis: natural treatments, braces and splints, medication or surgery. It depends on the severity of the symptoms, the progression of the condition and each person’s specific lifestyle.

👉 To find out more about the various treatment options, click on ‘Treating basal joint arthritis’.

It is important to remember that every situation is unique. The most suitable treatment should always be evaluated in consultation with a healthcare professional, who will be able to take into account your pain, your work and activities and your joint condition.

How to maintain a physical and mental well-being throughout the day

Alongside the technical solutions, there are other measures you can implement to cope better with basal joint arthritis at work:

  • Take care of your joints outside working hours: gentle stretching, strengthening exercises (in consultation with a healthcare professional).
  • Learn to listen to pain: pain is like a warning signal that you should not ignore.

  • Try to encourage a supportive environment, where people feel that they can talk about their difficulties openly.

Remember

If you are suffering from basal joint arthritis and need to adapt the way you work, it is really important that you listen to your body. There is no need to despair, because there are concrete solutions that will allow you to continue working, whilst protecting your thumb joints. By adjusting your workstation, adapting your hand movements and talking to the right people, you can maintain your occupational quality-of-life.

Ouvrier souriant avec un casque dans un chantier.