what is basal joint arthritis
Basal joint arthritis is the result of the wearing away of cartilage in the bones of the thumb. Thatâs why it is also known as thumb arthritis.The basal joint allows your thumb to move around so you can perform small motor tasks.Without plenty of cushioning cartilage, the bones become rough and grind over each other when you move, causing more joint damage.According to the Mayo Clinic, thumb arthritis is the most common form of osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) of the hand. It can also be caused by injury to the thumb.ithout plenty of cushioning cartilage, the bones become rough and grind over each other when you move, causing more joint damage. According to the Mayo Clinic, thumb arthritis is the most common form of osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) of the hand. It can also be caused by injury to the thumb.