If thumb arthritis makes daily tasks painful, targeted treatments can restore function—and DPC ensures your care is coordinated, affordable, and tailored to your needs.
Thumb OA treatments range from conservative to surgical:
Splinting: Reduces joint stress during activities.
Injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid for inflammation.
Surgery: Trapeziectomy or joint fusion for severe cases.
Key facts:
Safety: Low complication rates; splinting avoids surgery in 60% of cases.
Costs: DPC memberships (80–250 USD/month) cover consults and follow-ups, unlike traditional fees (200–500 USD/injection; 5,000–10,000 USD/surgery).
Risks of delay: Joint deformity, loss of pinch strength.
Direct Primary Care (DPC) transforms hand care through proactive coordination and patient-first focus.
Comprehensive Pre-Treatment Prep
Rapid diagnostics: Schedule X-rays or ultrasound within 48 hours.
Ergonomic adjustments: Recommend adaptive tools (jar openers, ergonomic keyboards).
Medication management: Prescribe topical NSAIDs or diclofenac gel.
Transparent Pricing and Holistic Support
All-inclusive care: Membership covers splints, injections, and surgeon referrals.
Cost savings: Save 30–50% on facility fees via self-pay DPC rates.
Hand therapy: Partner with OT for joint protection techniques.
Personalized Recovery and Long-Term Health
24/7 access: Address post-injection flare-ups or surgical concerns immediately.
Progress tracking: Assess pinch/grip strength monthly.
Preventive focus: Teach exercises to maintain joint mobility.
Zero wait times: 90% of DPC patients start treatment within 1 week vs. 3+ weeks traditionally.
Continuity: One team manages meds, therapy, and surgical follow-ups.
No hidden fees: Transparent pricing (e.g., 1,200 USD for corticosteroid series).
Case 1: Linda, 58, with stage III OA
Linda’s DPC team used splinting + hyaluronic acid, delaying surgery by 2 years.
Case 2: James, 65, post-trapeziectomy
James’s DPC provider coordinated OT, restoring 80% pinch strength in 12 weeks.
Q: How long do steroid injections last?
A: 3–6 months; DPC limits to 3–4 yearly to protect cartilage.
Q: Can I avoid surgery?
A: Yes—DPC combines splinting, therapy, and PRP for early-stage OA.
Q: Is surgery outpatient?
A: Yes—most go home same day; DPC arranges post-op PT.
Q: What if pain returns post-op?
A: DPC explores nerve blocks or revision fusion.
The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) emphasizes early intervention. DPC delivers by:
Reducing progression: Custom splints cut surgical needs by 40%.
Boosting adherence: 85% of DPC patients use splints as directed vs. 50% nationally.
Saving costs: Members save 1,500–5,000 USD through bundled care.
Thumb OA care in DPC isn’t just about pain relief—it’s about preserving your ability to grasp life’s moments. With DPC, skip referral delays, access top hand specialists, and gain a treatment plan that adapts to your lifestyle. From splints to surgery, experience care that’s as precise as your thumb’s movements.
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