How to adapt to improve day-to-day lifen
Thumb osteoarthritis, also known as basal joint arthritis, can make it difficult to perform a range of everyday tasks: buttoning a shirt, opening a jar, writing, gardening, etc.
Despite these difficulties, there is nothing to stop you continuing to live a full life, provided that you adjust some of the things you do and make sure that you have the right resources to hand.
The aim of this website is to give you a better understanding of the day-to-day impact of the condition and to guide you towards adopting the right habits.
To find out more about the condition, start by reading ‘Thumb osteoarthritis’.
Specially adapted movements to reduce pain
Some of the things we do put a lot of strain on our thumbs. They may involve repetitive actions, gripping forcefully or opposing movements between the thumb and other fingers.
We really recommend that you should rethink your habits to limit pain and inflammation. Relieving the strain on the thumb joint may simply be a case of using both hands or softer grips.
Ergonomic accessories (jar openers, wider handles, thickened pens, etc.) can also help to improve comfort.
Moving without aggravating the pain
Often people are tempted to try and avoid using their painful hand… but the less you move it, the more likely you are to increase the stiffness and make your loss of movement worse.
Gentle, progressive, specially adapted exercises are recommended to keep the thumb joint working.
Physiotherapy or gentle physical activity can help to maintain muscle strength and maintain good thumb flexibility.
Regaining strength for a better grip
Thumb osteoarthritis often leads to a loss of strength and grip, which can make it difficult to carry objects or handle small items.
Tools and technical aids have been designed to make it easier to grip things and limit pain: special grips, wide handles, non-slip utensils, etc.
The wider impact of thumb osteoarthritis
Living with chronic pain can have a wider impact: fatigue, sleep disturbances, low mood, frustration at no longer being able to do everything… It is important to be aware of these effects so that you do not isolate yourself or downplay what you are going through
Psychological support can be useful for helping get you through these periods and strengthening your resilience.
The role of diet in managing symptoms
Although diet cannot cure osteoarthritis, it can play a role in helping to limit inflammation.
Certain foods are known for their natural anti-inflammatory properties. Adapting what you eat can therefore be a useful additional strategy.
Stay active, but at your own pace
Staying physically active helps, as long as you adapt your movements.
You do not need to take part in intensive sport: walking, gentle yoga, aqua-aerobics or cycling are often well tolerated and help to maintain good overall balance.
Patient testimonies to reassure and inspire you
Reading patient testimonies from people affected by thumb osteoarthritis can help you gain perspective.
Many patients find that they are affected by the same problems: pain in the morning, fear of progression of the condition, day-to-day frustrations. These patient testimonies show, though, that there are solutions available and that you can still lead an active life with the right care.
Being helped and helping
Day-to-day life can also be difficult for your friends and family: not knowing how to help, being worried about doing the wrong thing or feeling unable to help. It is therefore really important that the people around you are properly informed and have access to the required support.
By combining specially adapted movements, gentle physical activity, a healthy lifestyle and appropriate support, you can continue having an active life with thumb osteoarthritis.
➡ Consider consulting a doctor or healthcare professional to assess your situation.
➡ Or if you want to look into it yourself, have a look at our blog for information on treatments and care available or read through our articles and find practical advice.
Support for family and carers and day-to-day support
