Osteoarthritis: (Conservative Treatment)
Splinting to decrease deformity and provide support and stability to affected joints. Pt. education provided regarding heat modalities and activity modification to help decrease pain and stress to affected joints. If pt. has early stage CMC arthritis strengthening of the ABP and opponens muscles may be performed to help with dynamic stability of the CMC and help prevent adduction deformity of the thumb. Pt. is also instructed in joint protection techniques.
