Steroid vs saline injection vs occupational therapy for thumb arthritis
Part of Bones, joints & muscles, Pain clinical trials.
This study compares a steroid injection (Kenacort), a saltwater (saline) injection, and occupational therapy to see which works best for thumb base osteoarthritis pain. It may help you if you have thumb pain with swelling and want to avoid surgery.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are between 40 and 85 years old.
- You have thumb base osteoarthritis confirmed by X-ray or ultrasound, with signs of swelling (inflammation).
- Your thumb pain is at least 3 out of 10 (moderate or worse) even when resting or during activities.
- You have not used a thumb splint most days or done structured hand exercises in the last 3 months.
- You have not had a steroid shot in that thumb joint in the last 3 months, and no more than 3 such shots ever in that joint.
- You are willing to stop using oral or topical NSAID pain relievers (like ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen) on your hands for the next 3 months.
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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