Early Diagnosis of CMC Injury
The earliest diagnosis of CMC injury is crucial for the best outcome. Learn more about symptoms and treatment options in this article. You’ll also learn about possible causes and symptoms. It’s important to consult a doctor if you notice any of these signs. If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from this condition, contact your local emergency room.
Early diagnosis
Early diagnosis of CMC injury is important for the prevention of long-term complications, including arthritis. CMC joints are held together by a series of ligaments, and a sports injury can cause damage to these ligaments. The surfaces of these joints are covered with articular cartilage, a slick covering that allows one side of the joint to easily slide over the other joint surface. When damaged, the articular cartilage may break down and cause arthritis. Physical examination and radiological imaging can help an orthopedic doctor make the correct diagnosis. X-rays can also be taken to determine whether any bone damage has occurred.
Early diagnosis of CMC injury is crucial for preventing complications and maximizing the chances of recovery. Although there are many causes of CMC injury, the most common causes are traumatic injuries. Regardless of how the accident occurred, the first step is to obtain a detailed medical history. Then, your physician will examine the hand, wrist, and other joints to evaluate the level of movement in the joint. X-rays can also provide insight into the degree of joint damage and the extent of articular cartilage loss.
Treatment options
Treatment for CMC injuries is varied and can depend on the severity of the injury and the underlying symptoms. In the initial stage, conservative therapy can help you manage pain and discomfort. This method can include the use of low-dose narcotics, NSAIDs, heat therapy and bracing. Some people also opt for chiropractic care and physical and occupational therapy. Steroid injections can also be considered, but they can also damage cartilage and ligaments.
The most common symptom is pain, which may be intermittent or constant. It is usually aggravated by pinching or gripping. The pain can also limit the range of motion in the affected digits. In severe cases, you may experience loss of strength in your thumb. It may even become difficult to turn doorknobs. Another common symptom is swelling of the joint. This is caused by loss of cartilage and lax ligament.
Symptoms
Injuries to the CMC joint can result in a number of different symptoms, depending on the type of injury. Fortunately, injuries to this joint are relatively rare. Injuries can occur due to a variety of causes, including a motor vehicle accident or sudden strong impact. In some cases, a sprain or fracture will not require a surgical evaluation, but if a complicated injury is suspected, computed tomography (CT) may be needed.
The most common symptom is pain, which can be constant or intermittent. Pain can increase when the affected joint is forced to do repetitive activities. People may also experience loss of thumb strength. Even turning a doorknob can become difficult. Other symptoms include swelling in the joint. A loss of cartilage in the joint or laxity of a ligament can also reduce range of motion.
Causes
There are several causes of a CMC joint injury, and treatment can vary depending on the severity of the injury and your current symptoms. The first line of treatment for a CMC joint injury is conservative care, which can include NSAIDs, low-dose narcotics, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. If your symptoms are severe, you may also undergo steroid injections to control pain. However, steroid injections have serious side effects and may result in damage to your cartilage and ligaments.
One common type of CMC joint injury is a sprain or fracture. A sprain or fracture can damage the ligaments around the joint, causing it to be unstable. This can cause increased forces on the articular cartilage surfaces.
