New Procedures for Thumb Arthritis Relief
Our new video on thumb arthritis relief is a great example of how we roll here at Regenexx. While some technologies that we offer have done better than others throughout the years, we have continued to focus on this procedure to try and produce the best possible results. Because of that, the thumb arthritis treatment we offer today is dramatically more successful than older versions.
Why is Thumb Arthritis a Big Deal?
Thumb arthritis is also known as “texting thumb”. It occurs in women much more commonly than in men and believe or not, it’s one of the most common forms of arthritis! Obviously the wear and tear on the joint caused by our smart phones isn’t helping.
Like Many Things, There’s a Bigger Picture Story
Modern medicine, due to the time pressured managed care world of doctors, loves to focus on what I call the “bright shiny object”. As an example, if the thumb hurts and a picture shows arthritis, you focus on the thumb. While at first blush that would seem to make common sense, but in a machine as complex as the body it ignores what caused the issue.
In the most commonly arthritic joint at the base of the thumb (CMC joint), ligament laxity has been found to be a major cause of an unstable joint that facilitates the arthritis. In addition, we’ve found that small, often barely noticeable issues in the median nerve at the wrist are also involved. The same thing can commonly occur with neck nerves. Take my right thumb as an example. When I had a severely irritated nerve in my neck, within two weeks the middle thumb joint developed arthritis. How? We now believe that arthritis and nerve issues are intimately connected.
So How Did We Improve the Thumb Arthritis Procedure?
To optimize thumb arthritis relief, we focus on all three components above with the technology that best fits the patient’s condition (platelets, same day stem cells, or cultured stem cells). One strategy is obviously treating the joint with a precise, image guided injection. The next is focusing on reducing the ligament laxity causing the joint to be unstable. Finally, we treat the nerve component by carefully using ultrasound guidance to inject platelet growth factors to break up scar tissue and improve blood supply around the nerve.
The improvement in results has been significant. As an example, we went from about one-third or less patients who responded well when we just addressed the joint, to more than two-thirds with severe arthritis responding well by taking care of all three problems. Most patients who underwent the new protocol and were surgical candidates, opted not to get the surgery.
The upshot? Enjoy the new video above. We’re looking forward to continue to help many patients avoid really invasive and at times barbaric surgeries!
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I need this, the joints on both thumbs are swollen so bad I am in pain all the time. I also have the same in my big right toe. The problem is my doctors, I go to the Veterans Hospital in Orlando Florida all they want to do is give me topical creams. The VA does x-rays and say yep you have arthritis take Tylenol or ibuprofen my stomach can’t take any more. Do you know of any Veterans Hospitals in the US that are using regenexx?
Tracy,
Our Florida Provider has an office in Ocala and one in Bradenton: http://newregenortho.com/
Tracy Ann Waters, I can imagine your frustration as we see it in many folks who are seeking this treatment. Unfortunately, the VA and all other insurance companies (including Medicare) consider these treatments “investigational and experimental” and cite the lack of research. Believe me, if this process depended on a drug, the story would be very different. That said, the cost is worth it compared with taking more drugs or surgery. Check the Regenexx website to find a provider in Florida close to you.
When are you coming to Ga?
Jan,
We are working on it :)