Rhizarthrosis Treatment: Causes, Symptoms & Physiotherapy

Best Rhizarthrosis Treatment in Delhi

What is Rett Syndrome ?

Degenerative arthritis affecting the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb, where the metacarpal bone of the thumb meets the trapezium bone of the wrist. It is a common site for osteoarthritis.

Causes

Degenerative (Wear and Tear): Most common cause, due to cumulative stress over time.
Anatomical Factors: The unique saddle shape of the CMC joint allows for wide range of motion (opposition, abduction, adduction, flexion, extension, rotation) but inherently provides less bony stability, making it prone to stress.
Repetitive Stress/Overuse: Activities involving repetitive pinching, gripping, or twisting of the thumb (e.g., writing, knitting, gardening, using tools, smartphones).
Trauma: Previous injury or fracture to the thumb or wrist (e.g., Bennett’s fracture) can predispose to early arthritis.
Ligamentous Laxity: Loose ligaments around the CMC joint can lead to instability and increased wear.
Genetics: Family history of osteoarthritis.
Gender: More common in women, especially post-menopause, suggesting hormonal influence.
Age: Prevalence increases with age.

Symptoms

Pain at the Base of the Thumb: Localized pain, especially with pinching, gripping, opening jars, turning keys, or fine motor tasks.
Aggravated by Activity: Pain worsens with thumb use and improves with rest.
Stiffness: Especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Swelling: Localized swelling at the base of the thumb.
Tenderness: Palpable tenderness over the CMC joint.
Weakness: Difficulty with strong pinch or grip, leading to dropping objects.
Crepitus: Grinding, cracking, or popping sensation/sound with thumb movement.
Deformity (Advanced Stages):
“Shoulder Sign”: A noticeable bulge or squaring at the base of the thumb, indicating subluxation (partial dislocation) of the joint.
“Z-Deformity”: Hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint and flexion of the interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb, as the CMC joint collapses.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty with thumb abduction (moving away from palm) and opposition (touching thumb to little finger).

Advanced Physiotherapy (Conservative Management):

Aims to reduce pain, improve function, preserve joint integrity, and prevent progression.

Pain & Inflammation Management:-
- Modalities: Ice/heat, therapeutic ultrasound, or TENS to manage pain and inflammation.
Manual Therapy:-
- Joint Mobilization: Gentle, specific glides and mobilizations to improve mobility of the CMC joint and adjacent joints (trapezium-scaphoid, MCP joint) if restricted. Focus on relieving compression.
- Soft Tissue Mobilization: Releasing tight muscles that cross the thumb (e.g., thenar muscles, adductor pollicis) to reduce compressive forces on the joint.
Therapeutic Exercise:-
- Gentle Range of Motion: Pain-free active and active-assisted exercises to maintain thumb mobility without stressing the joint.
- Strengthening:
  - Thumb Stabilizers: Focus on strengthening muscles that stabilize the CMC joint and promote proper alignment, particularly the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) with emphasis on non-compressive movements.
  - Thenar Eminence Muscles: Gentle strengthening of intrinsic thumb muscles (e.g., abductor pollicis brevis) to improve control and stability.
  - Overall Hand/Forearm Strength: To support global hand function.
  - Proprioceptive & Neuromuscular Control: Exercises to improve the thumb’s awareness in space and enhance coordinated muscle activation for stability during tasks.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Working Hours

Mon - Sat: 9:00AM to 8:30PM
Sunday: 9:30AM to 7:30PM

Call Us

+91 8090080906
+91 8090080907
+91 8866991000