Carpometacarpal (CMC) Arthritis Treatment in Chapin, South Carolina
When everyday motions—like buttoning a shirt or gripping a coffee mug—start to cause sharp pain at the base of your thumb, it may be more than just overuse. Carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis, also known as basal joint arthritis, is a common but often overlooked condition that can make even the simplest tasks feel frustrating and painful. If you’re experiencing stiffness, swelling, or reduced grip strength in your thumb, it’s time to consider expert evaluation.
At Palmetto Bone & Joint, patients with CMC arthritis receive care backed by proven orthopedic techniques and innovative regenerative therapies. With decades of experience, providers like Dr. James Loging take a thoughtful, personalized approach to easing pain and restoring function at the base of the thumb. Whether your symptoms are just beginning or have been affecting your daily life for years, our team in Chapin is here to help.
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Understanding CMC Arthritis of the Thumb
CMC arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis affecting the hand, impacting the joint where the thumb meets the wrist—a critical point for gripping, pinching, and stabilizing the hand. When this joint begins to break down, even small tasks like holding a phone or turning a key can become uncomfortable or even painful.
CMC arthritis develops when the protective cartilage in the thumb’s CMC joint wears away, leading to joint irritation, inflammation, and loss of movement. Left untreated, this condition can progress and limit both function and quality of life, but early diagnosis and proper management can make a significant difference.
What Causes Thumb Arthritis?
Thumb arthritis is most often linked to age-related wear and tear, but other factors can raise your risk. These include:
- Previous injury or trauma to the thumb joint
- Family history of arthritis
- Joint hypermobility or instability
- Repetitive thumb use from work or hobbies
- Degeneration typically begins after age 40
As cartilage breaks down, the bones in the joint start to rub against each other, causing pain at the base of the thumb and, in later stages, visible joint changes or deformities.
Thumb Arthritis Symptoms
Early signs of CMC arthritis can be subtle and may resemble other hand conditions, which is why an accurate diagnosis from a specialist is so important. Symptoms often include:
- Pain or swelling at the base of the thumb
- Discomfort when gripping or pinching
- Tenderness to the touch
- Decreased strength and range of motion
- A bony bump or joint enlargement
- A grinding or popping feeling during movement
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, and especially if they’re getting worse, it’s time to talk with a thumb joint arthritis specialist who specializes in thumb joint care.
Why Patients Across the Midlands Choose Palmetto Bone & Joint
When it comes to treating thumb arthritis, you deserve care that’s not only effective but also personal, convenient, and rooted in experience. At Palmetto Bone & Joint, we combine advanced orthopedic solutions with a patient-first approach that’s earned the trust of individuals and families across the region.
Here’s what sets our care apart:
- Experienced providers: Dr. James Loging brings decades of focused expertise in hand and thumb arthritis care.
- Customized treatment plans: Your lifestyle, activity level, and long-term goals all guide our recommendations.
- On-site imaging: Quick, accurate diagnostics mean faster answers and more targeted treatment.
- Innovative non-surgical options: We offer regenerative therapies like PRP and stem cells alongside traditional care.
- Convenient access: With locations in Chapin, Newberry, and Irmo, expert care is never far from home.
Whether you’re managing early symptoms or exploring surgical solutions, our team is here to help you regain strength, mobility, and peace of mind.
Other Specialized Treatment Areas
At Palmetto Bone & Joint in Chapin, we begin with a thorough evaluation that includes physical exams and diagnostic imaging to understand the extent of joint degeneration. Most patients benefit from non-surgical treatment for thumb arthritis, such as splinting, hand therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications.
We also offer advanced regenerative treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy. These non-invasive options help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and may delay or eliminate the need for surgery.
If conservative care is no longer effective, surgical treatment may be recommended to restore thumb function and relieve pain. Our orthopedic surgeons perform procedures like trapeziectomy, joint fusion, LRTI, and prosthetic joint replacement based on individual needs.
Each surgical plan is tailored to the patient’s lifestyle, activity level, and severity of arthritis. Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive techniques to support faster recovery and reduce downtime.
Post-treatment care plays a critical role in regaining strength and function in the thumb. Whether you’ve had surgery or opted for a non-operative path, hand therapy helps restore range of motion and reduce stiffness.
Our team works closely with patients throughout the recovery process to support healing and prevent re-injury. With consistent rehabilitation, many people experience significant improvement in comfort and mobility.
Thumb CMC Joint Arthritis FAQs
The best treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms, your daily activities, and overall hand function. Many patients begin with non-surgical treatment for thumb arthritis, such as activity modification, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and hand therapy, which can provide meaningful relief.
If these options are no longer effective, surgical procedures like ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) or joint replacement may be recommended to restore strength and reduce pain long-term.
Because several hand conditions can cause similar symptoms, it’s important to get a proper evaluation from an orthopedic surgeon for thumb arthritis. CMC arthritis can be mistaken for tendonitis, ligament injuries, or even nerve-related issues, especially in the early stages.
Our team will assess your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and may order imaging like X-rays to make an accurate diagnosis and guide the right treatment plan.
While both conditions affect the hand, they are very different in origin and treatment. CMC arthritis involves the joint at the base of the thumb, whereas carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist.
It’s possible to have both conditions at the same time, but the treatments and outcomes are distinct, so a proper diagnosis is key to addressing the root cause of your symptoms.
Some home remedies can provide short-term relief and help manage mild symptoms. These include using ice or heat, wearing a thumb brace for support, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. While these strategies offer temporary relief, they are not a long-term solution, so it’s important to discuss how to treat thumb CMC arthritis with a qualified provider.
In general, patients can expect about 6 to 12 weeks of recovery, which may include wearing a splint or cast, followed by physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. Most patients see continued improvement over several months and gradually return to their daily routine with less pain and better function.
Schedule Your CMC Arthritis Evaluation Today
If thumb arthritis is making daily tasks more difficult, Palmetto Bone & Joint is here to help. Our providers offer advanced care for CMC joint arthritis, including CMC joint pain relief, non-surgical treatments for thumb arthritis, regenerative medicine, and surgical options when needed. Whether you’re just starting to notice pain or looking for long-term relief, we’ll create a plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.