Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear breakdown of cartilage in a joint. Osteoarthritis of the thumb can occur with thumb injury or excessive stress from repetitive movements that involve the thumb. This can cause pain, swelling, tenderness or a grating sensation in the thumb, states MayoClinic.com. A patient should make an appointment with his doctor if stiffness lasts more than two weeks. At that time, the doctor will determine the proper treatment for thumb osteoarthritis.
Pain Relievers
Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health, states that over-the-counter pain relievers may be effective in treating thumb osteoarthritis. Acetaminophen is a common medication recommended. This medication reduces pain signals in the brain caused by thumb osteoarthritis. Although effective in treating pain, acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation that may occur in the thumb. If the thumb is swollen, a patient should consider taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen sodium or ibuprofen. These medications reduce chemical signals responsible for pain and inflammation in the thumb. Patients with heart, stomach, kidney or liver problems should consult a physician before taking these medications. Side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include stomach pain, bloody vomit, bloody stools, dark urine or heart irregularities.
Occupational Therapy
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe occupational therapy to treat thumb osteoarthritis. An occupational therapist helps rehabilitate conditions that occur in the upper body, and may be helpful because thumb osteoarthritis may limit a patient's ability to perform hand functions that involve use of the thumb. The occupational therapist can stretch the thumb and teach a patient exercises to keep the thumb strong and functional. A patient must attend all scheduled occupational therapy session to benefit. In addition, he should continue the recommended home exercise program.
Capsaicin Cream
The topical application of capsaicin cream may be beneficial in relieving thumb osteoarthritis pain, states Medline Plus. Capsaicin cream is derived from chili peppers. The chemicals in chili peppers cause a burning sensation in the skin that resolves after a few minutes. This medication reduces chemical signals in nerves that are related to pain. When used for one to two weeks, a patient should expect pain relief. This medication is safe to use; however, a patient should avoid getting capsaicin cream in the eyes or on mucous membranes to avoid severe burning.
Prescription Medications
In more severe cases of thumb osteoarthritis, the physician may prescribe a stronger nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as Mobic or Naprosyn, to relieve pain and inflammation. The risks of side effects may be higher for because the dosages of these medications are higher.
An additional option is tramadol, which is a narcotic-like pain reliever, states Drugs.com. Tramadol acts on the same receptors as narcotic medications, but does not have the same side effects. In addition, tramadol is non-habit forming. A patient who has frequent seizures should not take tramadol because this medication lowers the seizure threshold.
