With thumb arthritis, there is a lot of truth in the saying that “use it or lose it.” Almost everything we do uses our thumbs, often without our awareness.
Private Thumb Joint Replacement in London: When Thumb Arthritis Begins to Interfere
The joint at the base of our thumbs plays a big role in holding a cup, opening a jar, starting our car, turning on the light, thumbing through our phone, and all of the little things we take for granted.
Pain in that joint can lead us to change our behaviour. You may learn to stop using your thumbs to hold a cup or to open something. That is when you should consider Private Thumb Joint Replacement in London. Our specialists will evaluate your case based on your pain, your symptoms, and the physical condition of your joint to determine if Private Thumb Joint Replacement in London is the correct course of action.
When Thumb Pain Is No Longer Ignorable
Arthritis in the thumb may slowly sneak up on you.
You may feel it the first time you have trouble opening a jar.
Eventually, you may begin to avoid movements because you know that doing so will cause you pain.
Repetition of a movement that causes pain may be the reason an action becomes problematic.
One movement that causes pain might be something we can easily avoid. However, doing the same movement dozens of times throughout the day makes it an issue.
It may hurt at the base of your thumb, where it meets your wrist. It might also feel stiff, weak, or tender. Some patients note an unusual appearance to the thumb with the progressive symptoms of arthritis.
Because of its central role in both pinch and grip, arthritis in one thumb can have effects that many do not expect from a single joint.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described, conservative treatment is recommended before you accept this as the new, inevitable reality of ageing.
What Is Basal Thumb Arthritis?
The thumb base joint is technically the Carpometacarpal joint, or CMC joint. It has a great deal of flexibility and is a primary differentiator in the uniqueness of the human hand with respect to other tools and animal appendages.
Osteoarthritis can affect this joint as well as any other.
Cartilage erosion from improper loading can result in increased pain during joint movement, as well as decreased joint stability, increased stress, and gradual wear of the structures immediately adjacent to the joint.
The symptoms are very much individual and subjective.
One person’s primary problem may be pain when they open a jar. Another may have significant problems maintaining a grip to perform the job required of them. A third person may experience a significant decrease in comfort while writing, gardening, or playing a musical instrument.
It is not always thumb pain. There are many other reasons for these symptoms; therefore, you should never self-diagnose and should always seek proper evaluation and imaging.
A thumb specialist in London should be able to describe what is happening in a thumb joint and whether the X-ray findings correlate with the symptoms.
Does Thumb Arthritis Always Mean Surgery?
No.
This is important to clarify because many patients avoid making appointments because they expect the outcome will be a recommendation for surgery.
Surgery is not always the outcome.
Depending on the extent of the arthritis, the first line of treatment may be activity modification, wearing a thumb splint, pain control, and/or a steroid injection. This may be appropriate as the first line of treatment for arthritis when the symptoms are mild.
This treatment is not effective for all patients.
Some patients find no relief from the various treatment modalities. Others feel that the treatment might control the symptoms, but the symptoms invariably come back.
When you reach this stage, usually the only way to control the symptoms of arthritis is to organise your life around the thumb arthritis.
This is when it is most appropriate to consider surgery.
When Private Thumb Joint Replacement in London May Be an Option
If thumb arthritis is severe enough to warrant surgery, replacement of the thumb joint is one of the surgical options.
Besides arthritis, other conditions affect the joint. Thumb arthritis is common, and joint replacement should be considered only if the pain is not controlled by other treatments.
Your surgeon will assess the joint, your symptoms, your hand function, and your post-treatment goals. They will also consider your age and how active you are.
This discussion is important, as the optimum surgery for one person may not be the best for another.
A person returning to an active lifestyle may be more concerned about different aspects of surgery compared with a person who wishes only to overcome daily living tasks such as cooking, dressing, and using the phone without pain.
This is where the importance of specialist advice comes in. Rather than starting with the surgery, we begin with the problem.
Why Specialist Thumb Joint Surgery London Matters
When it comes to thinking about thumb joint surgery London, it is common to focus on the surgery itself. However, the process is much more involved.
A joint replacement is just one part of the overall surgery.
The extent of the arthritis needs to be evaluated, and other possible diagnoses for the pain also need to be evaluated. If surgery is the option, then the rationale behind this choice should be explained to the patient.
Align Orthopaedics has an entire hand and wrist service alongside its orthopaedic practice. The hand and wrist surgeons evaluate arthritis and other issues of the upper limb affecting the hand and wrist.
The practice further establishes its presence at 119 Harley Street to allow private surgery for patients in central London.
The extended team also includes physiotherapy and other specialists who may play an important role as treatment moves into the recovery phase.
Mr Daniel Williams
Specialist Upper Limb and Hand Surgeon
For thumb arthritis, specialist experience in the hand and upper limb is of particular importance.
Mr Daniel Williams, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Upper Limb Surgeon, has a practice encompassing the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. His listed areas of interest include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the hand and wrist, as well as hand and wrist trauma, nerve and tendon injuries, and reconstructive surgery. He uses joint replacement and arthroscopic techniques as required.
His training encompasses orthopaedic specialty training in London and a two-year fellowship at the Brisbane Hand and Upper Limb Unit in Australia. He provides elective and trauma care through Barts Health NHS Trust and also engages in teaching and research.
There is indeed a good reason for this experience.
Thumb arthritis cannot be understood in terms of one X ray or one painful joint. Thumb arthritis must be understood in the context of how the function of the thumb relates to the function of the rest of the hand.
In addition to Mr Williams, Mr Kalpesh Vaghela, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Surgeon, has a special interest in performing small joint arthroplasty, and Miss Suan Khor, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Surgeon, has a special interest in performing elective hand surgery, including the treatment of arthritis.
What Happens in Your Consultation?
An ideal consultation will answer your questions.
Why does my thumb hurt?
How bad is the arthritis?
Do I need surgery?
What surgery options do I have?
How will surgery impact work?
When can I expect to use my hand normally again?
Your doctor will investigate your symptoms. He or she will look closely at your symptoms and will conduct an examination of your thumb and hand. He or she can request imaging or assess what imaging has previously been done.
It is especially helpful if you talk about how you hope to return to certain activities after surgery.
Examples include gardening, golfing, working with tools, or typing that involves a lot of time. If your only goal of surgery is to open a jar pain-free, that is also something your doctor should know.
It is helpful for a surgeon to know what your expectations are with your thumb surgery.
What Is Thumb Joint Replacement Surgery?
An explanation of joint replacement surgery will be discussed with you thoroughly before you agree to the surgery.
Pain caused by arthritic joints and lack of use is addressed through the removal of damaged arthritic joint surfaces and their replacement with joints that allow for use with less pain.
Through surgery, artificial replacement joints allow for movement that is less painful.
Expectations must be realistic. Improvement in function and pain is expected, but your thumb will still need time to heal.
Your surgeon will cover the potential complications and the benefits of the operation with you. This is an important consideration when evaluating joint replacement surgery.
Recovery Becomes Part of the Process
Most people tend to consider surgery the most important part and recovery as the aftermath.
However, for hand surgery, recovery is part of the treatment.
Your surgeon may cover your thumb with a protective layer while the healing process occurs. Based on your doctor’s recommendations, healing is a gradual process as you are provided with a set of increasing restrictions. Hand therapy may be ordered to assist with the restoration of movement and strengthening as part of the healing process.
Your return to normal activities may depend on the type of work you do.
For example, returning to a computer is less demanding than returning to work that involves constant use of tools. Goals may need to be set based on the type of work that is physically demanding, as a golfer, musician, or gardener may need more therapy during the healing process.
Instead of a set recovery date, your doctor should give you an idea of what to expect for various activities and when they can be safely resumed.
Is Joint Replacement the Only Surgical Option?
Joint replacement is not the only surgical option available.
This is another reason not to arrive at a consultation having already decided that you need a particular surgery.
Thumb arthritis can be addressed by a number of surgical options. The best option is unique to the joint, the extent of the degeneration, your symptoms, and your unique situation.
Joint replacement may be appropriate; however, replacement may not be the only option.
For anyone researching thumb arthritis surgery London, perhaps the most important question is not, “Which surgery do I have available to me?” The most important question should be, “Which treatment is right for my hand?”
That should be the first question in your discussion with your surgeon. What is the goal of this treatment? The goal is to eliminate the pain you experience and permit you to use your hand and thumb to the best possible ability.
This will not necessarily happen immediately. Swelling and stiffness are both expected in the weeks following surgery while strength is being restored, and this will take time. Recovery will be gradual.
The goal that you have set for yourself will have the greatest impact on the overall outcome of treatment. For example, if you play a specific sport that you want to return to, then treatment steps based around that sport will be necessary. However, if your only goal is to relieve pain in your hand and be able to carry out daily activities without pain, that will be your main concern.
Good surgery starts with realistic expectations.
Of course, for many patients, private treatment does not have the same advantages as public treatment, but it does have the opportunity to provide a specialist and a proper conversation about the problem.
At Align Orthopaedics, you are able to get private consultations for hand and wrist concerns. There is a specialised team for a variety of upper limb conditions. For those patients who want specialised care in central London, Align Orthopaedics is located on Harley Street.
If thumb arthritis is altering your hand’s functionality, an assessment can help you understand your available options.
Do Not Let Thumb Arthritis Become Something You Simply Work Around
People are very adaptable.
Adjusting jar opening techniques, shifting bag carrying to the other hand, avoiding certain exercises, and avoiding painful activities become the new normal. Because you can still manage, it is easy to put off seeking a solution.
But if managing your life requires altering your daily routine to accommodate thumb pain, it is worth figuring out why you have to deal with the pain.
Surgery may not even be an option.
If surgery is the recommended option, at least you will understand why and what alternative options have been evaluated.
If you are thinking of Private Thumb Joint Replacement in London, Align Orthopaedics can arrange a consultation with an experienced hand and upper limb specialist.
Assess. Ask the questions. Then decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Private Thumb Joint Replacement in London Suitable for Everyone?
No. Joint replacement is considered on an individual basis. The condition of the joint, severity of symptoms, hand function, activity level, and overall health all need to be taken into account.
How Is Thumb Joint Replacement London Surgery Performed?
The damaged surfaces of the arthritic joint are addressed and replaced with an artificial joint. The exact procedure and implant depend on the individual patient and the surgeon’s assessment.
Can Thumb Arthritis Be Treated Without Surgery?
Depending on the severity of symptoms, the options include activity modification, splinting, medication, or injections. Surgery is typically considered after other treatments are unsuccessful and symptoms persist.
What Is CMC Joint Replacement London Treatment?
CMC joint replacement surgery refers to the replacement of the arthritic joint at the base of the thumb. This procedure is dependent on the condition of the joint and the patient’s circumstances.
How Long Is Recovery After Thumb Joint Replacement?
Thumb joint replacement recovery can be variable. There will likely be a period of time during which the thumb is immobilised, followed by gradual movement and rehabilitation.
Will I Regain Normal Thumb Movement?
Pain from thumb joint arthritis is often the main concern, and surgery aims to improve thumb function. The goal of treatment will be to alleviate pain while maintaining a functioning thumb.
Why See A Hand and Wrist Specialist For Thumb Arthritis?
The thumb is an integral part of the hand and is used throughout daily life. A specialist will be able to evaluate the thumb in relation to the hand and may recommend surgery where appropriate.
Arrange a Specialist Consultation
If thumb pain has affected your daily activities, then you don’t have to live with it.
An assessment to determine the cause of the thumb pain will help to determine a course of treatment.
If you are looking into Private Thumb Joint Replacement in London, contact Align Orthopaedics regarding your symptoms and arrange a consultation with a specialist hand and upper limb surgeon. The first step should not be to consider whether you should have surgery. It should be to see if surgery is the right answer for you.
