Many women find that they are suffering from rhizarthrosis at around the age of 50, sometimes without knowing what it is called.

Pain at the base of the thumb, difficulty opening jars, loss of hand strength…

these symptoms tend to appear just as women of that age are facing another upheaval: the menopause.

There is now known to be a link between arthritis and the menopause. It raises questions and sometimes concerns, but above all it needs to be understood. The more we understand it, the easier it is to identify the early signs. And if we understand it, we can act earlier, thereby relieving pain and maintain hand mobility.

So why are women over the age of 50 more likely to suffer from rhizarthrosis?

Women are two to three times more likely to develop rhizarthrosis than men, with the difference much more pronounced after the menopause.

The main reason is the fall in oestrogen levels, hormones which help to protect the joints.
The main ways in which they do this are as follows:

  • maintaining the elasticity of joint cartilage;

  • limiting inflammatory processes;

  • preserving bone density.

When oestrogen levels fall, the joint tissue becomes more fragile.

The trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint at the base of the thumb then tends to become worn more quickly, especially if other risk factors apply.

New pain affecting the thumb

The menopause is sometimes accompanied by diffuse joint pain,

but if discomfort is focused in or around the thumb and persists over time, it may be a sign of rhizarthrosis.

There are certain symptoms to watch out for:

  • pain at the base of the thumb when performing day-to-day hand movements, tasks or activities;

  • discomfort when turning a key, carrying bags or opening jars;

  • stiffness in the morning or following exertion;

  • a cracking sensation or instability in the joint.

By identifying these symptoms, you can act before things deteriorate.

Early detection is also a key stage in the process presented under ‘First symptoms of rhizarthrosis’.

A period when a number of factors combine

The menopause does not itself trigger rhizarthrosis, but it does aggravate the effects.

Other factors may also have a role to play:

  • genetics: joint fragility can be inherited;

  • repetitive movements: certain activities that require frequent strain on the thumb increase joint wear;

  • weight gain or postural changes, common during the menopause;

  • ligament laxity, caused by hormone deficiency.

This combination of factors means that some women are more vulnerable to the condition.

You can find further information on this in the page dedicated to the causes of rhizarthrosis.

What strategies can be adopted for pain relief?

Even though the condition is progressive, there are ways of relieving the pain and limiting the discomfort:

  • gentle, regular physical exercise (walking, swimming, yoga),

  • protecting the joint with custom braces or splints, to be worn when performing high-risk activities or movements, or at night,

  • some simple self-massaging techniques,

  • consulting a specialist with regard to personalised care if the pain becomes incapacitating.

The aim is to maintain thumb mobility whilst limiting painful flare-ups.

We recommend consulting a healthcare professional specialising in joint care. In certain cases it may be a good idea to seek the opinion of a hand surgeon.

Remember:

The menopause may play a role in the development or aggravation of rhizarthrosis. Although complex, this hormonal link should not be overlooked. By identifying the warning signs, adjusting your hand movements, tasks and activities, and consulting a specialist at the right time, you can maintain your quality of life, even with early-stage rhizarthrosis.

Further reading: