The following is an article by Mustafa Alnaib MBChB, MRCS, MSc, FEBOT – Clinic Director and Musculoskeletal Doctor at ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic
Trapeziometacarpal (TMC) osteoarthritis, commonly referred to as base-of-thumb arthritis, is a frequent cause of pain, weakness, and reduced hand function. It can significantly affect everyday activities such as gripping, opening jars, or turning keys. As part of the non-surgical management pathway, hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are increasingly used to help manage symptoms and improve function.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring component of synovial fluid within joints. In osteoarthritis, both the quality and quantity of this fluid are reduced. HA injections aim to restore this environment by supplementing the joint with a substance that improves lubrication and acts as a shock absorber. This can reduce friction between joint surfaces, leading to pain relief and smoother movement.
In clinical practice, HA injections are delivered directly into the TMC joint under ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy. The procedure is minimally invasive and well tolerated. Patients can return to normal activities shortly afterwards, with gradual improvement in symptoms over the following weeks.
The evidence base for HA injections in TMC osteoarthritis is evolving favourably. Studies suggest that HA may provide pain relief and functional improvement in patients with base of thumb osteoarthritis , with benefits lasting several months. However, outcomes can be variable depending on the severity of degenerative changes. Despite this, HA remains a valuable option, particularly for patients seeking alternatives within a comprehensive, non-surgical treatment strategy, and a better safety profile compared to cortisone injections.
In practice, HA injections are often considered after initial measures such as activity modification, splinting, and simple analgesia. They can be particularly useful for patients who wish to delay or avoid surgery while maintaining hand function and quality of life.
“I had hyaluronic acid injections on both thumbs due to arthritis and now they feel so much better", verified patient review
In summary, hyaluronic acid injections offer a targeted, joint-preserving treatment option for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. While not curative, they can provide meaningful symptom relief and functional improvement for selected patients as part of a broader management plan.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25311256/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16242353/
Learn more about Mustafa Alnaib: About | ACTIVATE|MSK Clinic | Kent & London