Marc Darrow, MD, JD.

A significant number of individuals who reach out to our office in search of treatment for thumb pain have previously undergone a lengthy series of treatments with minimal success. Many will admit that their physicians are now suggesting pain management strategies (such as anti-inflammatories and painkillers) as their main course of action, given that splints, physical therapy, and ice are no longer effective. These individuals will continue with pain management until a decision is made regarding surgery or the choice to “live with it.”

Surgery should always be regarded as the final option. In certain cases, the damage to the joint is so extensive and critical that surgical intervention may be the only solution. However, for many, surgery can realistically be avoided, and the thumb joint can be reconstructed using regenerative medicine injections.

Understanding the Anatomy of the Thumb

The thumb is a complex anatomical structure, featuring numerous joints that connect the hand bones to the finger bones. The joint is surrounded by a capsule, tendons, and ligaments, all of which play vital roles in movement and stability. These structures enable the thumb to flex, extend, and move in various directions, making it essential for daily tasks and specialized work.

A thumb injury may manifest as a sense of looseness or instability. Medical imaging techniques such as MRI, CT scans, or X-rays may not always reveal ligament laxity or damage, as this is often assessed clinically by physically stressing the tissues and comparing them to the other side or other fingers. If looseness is detected, it usually indicates ligament laxity or instability in the joint.

Treatment Options

Regenerative medicine is often used to address thumb injuries, especially those involving ligament laxity. Treatment typically involves multiple small injections around the thumb to enhance the structural integrity of the entire joint complex. These procedures use tiny needles and are guided by ultrasound to target the affected area precisely. The process involves minimal discomfort and a brief rest period for recovery. Thumb injuries are one of the most common issues treated in clinic settings. The thumb tends to wear out or get injured more easily than other parts of the hand, making regular treatment and

Stem Cell Therapy for thumb osteoarthritis

In our experience of nearly three decades seeing patients with thumb osteoarthritis we have seen positive results bone marrow derived stem cell. There is research coming suggesting that the positive effects of stem cell therapy studied and documented in the large joints, the hips and knees for example, can be demonstrated in the small joints, those of the thumb for example. This was suggested and shown by research in the journal Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open. (1)

Stem cells offered in the thumb region act in the same manner as those injected into the knee. In our observations we have noted:

  • We found that in the short-term, receiving multiple injections into a painful joint is more effective than receiving a single stem cell injection.
  • Functionality score increased after first treatment, illustrating that patients experienced an immediate benefit in performing everyday activities with less difficulty.
  • By the second injection, patients began to report improvement with pain at rest. Patients then experienced additional decreases in resting pain with each treatment thereafter.
  • The increase in mean functionality score with successive stem cell treatments shows that increasing the number of BMC treatments improves patient performance in daily activities. 

Free phone consultation

With nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Marc Darrow and his team are pioneers in regenerative treatments, offering expert insights and personalized care for chronic pain.

Schedule a free phone consultation today and receive our exclusive Regenerative Medicine Stem Cell & PRP Quick Start Guide —a digital resource packed with:

  • Insights into Stem Cell & PRP Therapy
  • Research-backed treatments for chronic tendon injuries, joint pain, arthritis, and sports injuries

Take the first step toward a pain-free, active life today.

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References

1. Murphy MP, Buckley C, Sugrue C, Carr E, O’Reilly A, O’Neill S, Carroll SM. ASCOT: Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cell Use for Osteoarthritis of the Thumb-First Carpometacarpal Joint. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2017 Sep 19;5(9):e1486. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001486. PubMed PMID: 29062653; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5640358.