If I have arthritis, do I have to stop working? Ask the GP DR MARTIN SCURR By Martin Scurr for the Daily Mail Published: 02:00, 16 July 2024 | Updated: 02:06, 16 July 2024 e-mail View comments I've had arthritic pain in my left thumb for five years — and now have a similar pain in my right thumb and along the outside of my wrist. Would steroid injections help? I'm a self-employed tiler and, at 62, don't want to stop working yet. Frank Martin, Glasgow .
I can see why this would be a concern for a craftsman such as yourself. I suspect the pain is caused by osteoarthritis — joint damage caused by wear and tear in the cartilage. The thumb has two bones ('phalanges'), and is connected to the hand by the metacarpophalangeal joint.
This forms part of the ball of your thumb and gives your thumb dexterity. The next bone, a metacarpal, joins the wrist at another joint, the carpometacarpal. If there is pain at the base of the thumb, one or both of those joints will be involved, and if you've had it for months then it's likely to be osteoarthritis.
I've had arthritic pain in my left thumb for five years — and now have a similar pain in my right thumb and along the outside of my wrist. Would steroid injections help? (stock) As well as pain, the joints will typically be swollen and the area tender due to inflammation. Your grip may be weaker and you may note a crunchy sensation ('crepitation') on moving your thumb.
Patients with osteoarthritis of the thumb base are often offered ster.
