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Basal Joint Arthritis; Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Last updated: February 7, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 2 min read

The joints in the human body have a thin layer of cartilage lining between the bones, for their smooth and frictionless movement. Basal Joint Arthritis refers to a condition in which the cartilage in the thumb joint (at the base of the thumb) degenerates, causing the bones to rub against each other. The condition may occur due to excessive wear and tear of the joint cartilage or with age. This form of Arthritis is commonly seen in women above the age of forty years.

Causes

  • Women are more likely to develop Basal Arthritis
  • Past injuries such as fractures and dislocations may predispose a person to such problems
  • Overuse injuries
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Genetic factors such as Joint Ligament Laxity
  • Joint malformation
  • Obesity

Symptoms

  • Considerable pain may be felt in the joint and surrounding muscles
  • Burning sensation in the joint
  • Inability to use the thumb or hand comfortably to perform daily tasks such as opening a container or a bottle lid, turning a door knob etc.
  • Weakened grip
  • Inflammation and tenderness in the affected part
  • A hard bony lump may form at the base of the thumb

Diagnosis

  • X-ray imaging may help to reveal bone spurs and cartilage damage
  • Analysis of the patient’s lifestyle, past medical records and symptoms reported
  • A detailed physical examination may be conducted by an orthopedic doctor to check for visible deformities and changes in joint structure
  • Pressure may be applied by moving the thumb in different directions to check if it causes pain or a grinding sensation

Treatment

Basal Arthritis can be treated through conservative methods in the initial stages. In the advanced stages, surgical intervention may be recommended. The methods may include the following:

  • Prescription of anti-inflammatory medication and pain killers
  • Resting the affected joint and abstaining from any stress-causing activities
  • Application of ice packs at regular intervals
  • Splints may be used to lend support to the joint
  • Injecting cortisones into the affected area may provide immediate relief from the symptoms.
  • Arthroplasty- surgical removal of the damaged joint and replacing it with a bone graft or an artificial piece of bone.
  • Arthrodesis- permanent fusion of the bones of the joint
  • Osteotomy- surgical repositioning of the bones in the joint
  • Trapeziectomy- removal of the trapezium bone from the joint for more stability

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.