Osteoarthritis base thumb (CMC joint osteoarthritis)

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This is the name given to the joint changes, related to age, which cause pain and stiffness at the base of the thumb (next to the wrist). The age-related changes cause stiffness of this joint as well as the soft tissues around the joint. This can cause swelling, and pain. There is increased chance of this happening if you have the following:

  • Previous joint damage (from trauma or other conditions such as such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Age (risk increases with age)

Family history of thumb arthritis (genetics)