Sacred Heart Seminar Topic Osteoarthritis and the Aging Thumb

Join Sacred Heart Rehabilitation as they present an informational seminar on osteoarthritis and the overused and aging thumb on Friday, July 19 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Sacred Heart Rehabilitation at the Market Shops located at 9375 Emerald Coast Pkwy. West - Unit 1, Miramar Beach, FL 32550.

Tami Huston, OTRL, clinical orthopedic specialist will speak on osteoarthritis in the thumb ? covering signs and symptoms, ways to increase mobility and strength, bone health, pain management, joint protection, splinting techniques, prevention for further damage, and adaptive tools for daily use to reduce joint stress. Conservative and surgical interventions will be briefly discussed.

Osteoarthritis in the thumb is the most common form of arthritis that affects the hands and occurs when cartilage wears away from the ends of the bones that form the joint at the base of the thumb ? also known as the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint.

?Thumb arthritis can cause severe pain, swelling, decreased strength and range of motion, making it difficult to do simple daily tasks, such as turning doorknobs and opening jars,? said Tami Huston, clinical orthopedic specialist for Sacred Heart Rehabilitation. ?Pain is the first and most common symptom of thumb arthritis, usually occurring at the base of your thumb when you grip, grasp or pinch an object and apply pressure.? Huston added.

Factors that can increase the risk of thumb arthritis include: most common due to age related, female gender above 40 years old, obesity, activities and jobs that put high stress on the thumb joint, and injuries to the thumb joint, such as fractures and sprains. In addition to overuse of generational technology, computers, and phones that require constant static gripping to hold devices. Lastly, other related diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis can cause basal joint issues.

To register for this free community-education seminar please call (850) 278-3600.