Rhizarthrosis is a form of osteoarthritis located at the base of the thumb that causes pain, joint stiffness and sometimes major discomfort when performing day-to-day hand movements, tasks and activities.

Medication is one of the key solutions for treatment and care of the condition.

They can relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but cannot stop the progression of your rhizarthrosis.

Provided that they are properly used, under medical supervision, they can help to improve your quality-of-life.

Analgesics for pain relief

The medicinal products use most often are analgesics (or painkillers), designed to reduce pain:

  • Paracetamol (or acetaminophen) is the first-line treatment. It is well tolerated and can be taken occasionally or for a prolonged period if necessary, always in accordance with the recommended doses.

  • In the event of more severe pain, a doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers (such as tramadol). If stronger painkillers are used, the patient needs to be monitored carefully because of the risk of side effects.

They do not tackle the cause of the pain, but make it easier for you to live with rhizarthrosis, alongside other measures such as wearing a brace or splint or physiotherapy.

Anti-inflammatories

Anti-inflammatories may be prescribed when pain is accompanied by local inflammation:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g. ibuprofen, ketoprofen) can be taken orally or applied as a topical gel.

  • The advantage of topical (local) application is that it targets the painful area directly, thereby limiting systemic (general) adverse effects (e.g. digestive, renal or cardiovascular).

Special care should be taken when administering NSAIDs, especially in elderly patients or with a history of allergy to NSAIDs.

Injections: a targeted treatment

When the pain becomes incapacitating, injections into the trapeziometacarpal joint can be used:

  • A corticosteroid (a powerful anti-inflammatory) or other product containing hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) is injected directly into the joint.

  • The effect is often rapid but temporary, lasting anything from a couple of weeks to a few months.

  • This procedure must be performed by a healthcare professional, usually a rheumatologist or a hand surgeon,

and should always form always part of an overall strategy, in combination with use of a brace or splint and physiotherapy.

Supplements and natural products: do they work?

Some people turn to dietary supplements or herbal remedies (glucosamine, chondroitin, harpagophytum, etc.) to strengthen the cartilage or soothe the pain.

Scientific studies have produced mixed results though: whilst they may help some people, they should not be seen as a substitute for medically approved treatments. They should be thought of more as complementary and alternative solutions.

Medication: only ever with advice from a doctor

Self-medicating for rhizarthrosis can be fraught with risk, especially if combined with other treatments or used for a prolonged period of time.

We strongly recommend the following:

  • seek the advice of a healthcare professional before starting or changing any treatment;

  • any medication already taken on a regular basis should be reported;

  • stick to the doses and duration prescribed.

If pain persists despite complying carefully with treatment recommendations, surgery may be considered, especially in advanced stages.

Combining medicinal products and other solutions

Medication should be used as part of a broader treatment plan for rhizarthrosis, including:

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