Preventing rhizarthrosis as soon as the first signs appear

Rhizarthrosis, or basal joint arthritis, is a progressive condition that can go unnoticed for a long time.

As soon as the first signs appear, though (difficulty gripping, diffuse pain, morning stiffness), you can start implementing measures to maintain joint mobility and slow its progression.

This page is part of the ‘Prevention and education’ section, which is essential reading to really understand how wear can affect joints and to find out about good practices to adopt before rhizarthrosis becomes disabling. Cette page s’inscrit dans la rubrique Prévention et éducation, essentielle pour mieux comprendre les mécanismes de l’usure articulaire et adopter les bons gestes, avant que la rhizarthrose ne devienne invalidante.

How to identify the early signs that really should not be ignored

Rhizarthrosis often develops in stages and the first symptoms are barely noticeable.

It is therefore very important to be aware of certain warning signs:

Difficulty opening jars, turning a key or carrying bags

Pain at the base of the thumb, particularly at the end of the day or after putting more strain on your thumb than normal

Difficulty with pinching, picking up or holding certain objects

Feeling of weakness or cracking in the joint

Although these symptoms are sometimes just temporary, they indicate that the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint is being overworked.

By taking action at this stage, you can help slow the progression to chronic pain or thumb deformation.

Adopt good daily habits

Some simple habits can protect your thumb joint from the first signs of discomfort:

Spread the load: try to use both hands as much as possible or use the palm of your hand rather than putting strain on your thumb.

Use technical aids: jar openers, ergonomic grips and handles, widebody pens, and other useful tools to avoid strenuous hand movements or tasks (go to ‘Grip help: tools for patients’).

Try to avoid repetitive movements, especially involving rotation or prolonged pinching movements, since they can often accelerate mechanical wear.

The above measures should form part of a comprehensive approach to preserving mobility despite rhizarthrosis.

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Perform gentle exercises to maintain flexibility

Simple warm-up or stretching exercises can help to maintain joint mobility, stimulate local circulation and limit stiffness:

Gently flexing and extending your thumb

Slow, pain-free thumb stretches

Circular movements to warm up the base of the thumb

These exercises are particularly effective for preventing rhizarthrosis, if performed regularly.

You can find specific examples on our page ‘Warm-up exercises for preventing joint wear’.

Consult a doctor or other healthcare professional as soon as you are concerned

It is recommended to consult a GP, physiotherapist or hand specialist in the event of recurring symptoms, even if you have not been formally diagnosed with rhizarthrosis.

This helps for evaluation of joint condition, identifying potential aggravating factors and devising a personalised preventative strategy.

Depending on your specific case, treatment may include :

Advice tailored to your day-to-day hand movements, tasks and activities
A soft brace to rest the joint (see our page on braces and splints)
Rehabilitation support (physiotherapy, occupational therapy)
Regular monitoring if risk factors apply, e.g. with certain professions or following the menopause (see ‘What are the highest risk occupations for rhizarthrosis?’ and ‘Rhizarthrosis and the menopause’)

Planning ahead – a key way of coping with the condition

By listening carefully to your thumb joints, acting at the first signs of discomfort and seeking support, you can often delay the progression of rhizarthrosis. A preventative approach can help to limit chronic pain, delay the need to resort to invasive treatments and maintain hand function over time.

It forms part of a broader strategy of increasing patient awareness post diagnosis, so that patients know how to adapt their hand movements and activities as soon as they are diagnosed.

Remember:

Rhizarthrosis is often difficult to detect at first, with mild pain or discomfort in the thumb.

These early symptoms should be taken seriously though because they are warning signs.

Simple measures, adapted tools and exercises can help to slow down progression.

It is a good idea to consult a doctor or specialist early, to ensure effective, personalised prevention.