You may have heard of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, but have you ever heard about triscaphe arthritis? Well, if you experience joint pain at the base of your thumb where it meets your wrist — you’re likely experiencing triscaphe arthritis.
Triscaphe arthritis is the localized inflammation of the triscaphe joint. This joint can be found in between the trapezoid, trapezium and scaphoid. It is located on the wrist. The formal name for this joint is the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) joint.
Someone who has triscaphe arthritis most likely developed it as a result of a traumatic injury to the joint. However, it can also develop from autoimmune disorders and as a result of aging.
What are some of the most common symptoms of this type of arthritis?
- Sharp pain.
- Dull, throbbing pain.
- Stiffness.
- Swelling.
- Reddening skin.
- Poor grip.
- Weakening muscles.
- Poor range of motion.
- Difficulty using the thumb or hand.
What are some of the most effective treatments for triscaphe arthritis?
- Physical therapy sessions — Physical therapy can help individuals who have triscaphe arthritis and teach them how to appropriately treat their condition. Physical therapists can teach patients the skills they need to manage their joint pain and inflammation. During physical therapy, patients will follow a carefully coordinated treatment plan that is uniquely customized to them. PT can help reduce stiffness in the joint and decrease inflammation and swelling. Therapists can show patients a series of intentional exercises and movements that they can perform during sessions and from home to improve their symptoms.
- Steroid injections — Steroid injections are another option that may be useful to those in need of treatment for triscaphe arthritis. These injections can provide relief from inflammation and swelling, and can additionally help reduce pain. They’re a localized treatment option for patients in need of pain relief. However, steroid injections may require a series of injections over time as the steroid wears off and pain or discomfort returns.
- Hand splint — Hand splints are another option for alleviating arthritis symptoms. They help keep the joint from being overused and allow it to begin to rest and eventually heal. Hand splints also work by keeping the triscaphe joint in its natural position if it has shifted out of alignment. They can often be used not only to reduce pain and inflammation but also to help restore range of motion and functionality. Splints prevent the area of injury from being used so that it may repair itself without becoming frequently irritated or re-inflamed. Hand splints can be a good option for some arthritis sufferers who are looking for noninvasive and nonmedicinal methods of relief.
- Surgery — Surgery can be helpful for some arthritis sufferers. There are a few different surgical procedures that a patient could undergo to treat their triscaphe arthritis. These include arthroplasty, trapeziectomy, and joint replacement. It’s up to you and your doctor to decide whether you think that a surgical procedure would be the best course of treatment for your triscaphe arthritis. Surgeries can be beneficial for reducing pain and inflammation in some cases while bringing on complications that reduce the quality of life in others.
- Anti-inflammatory medications — If you’re hoping for a more immediate option to relieve your triscaphe arthritis pain, anti-inflammatory medications may be an effective treatment for you. They can help reduce inflammation and swelling while also targeting pain. However, this option only targets the hand pain and inflammation for a limited period of time before the pain returns — it doesn’t address the root of the issue.
Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for triscaphe arthritis
At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need.
Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and that can help you address your triscaphe arthritis and help you get the right kind of treatment for it.
Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.
Come find help for your injury or chronic condition today!
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