Coping with Thumb Arthritis

You may not realize how much you rely on the joint at the base of your thumb for routine daily tasks until the pain, swelling and stiffness of arthritis impede its otherwise fluid movement. Osteoarthritis, which is caused by the deterioration of cartilage (the cushioning material on the ends of bones at joints), commonly affects hips and knees, but the smaller joints in the hands are also susceptible.