Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Thumb Osteoarthritis Prognosis for Supported Self-managment

This research is about thumb osteoarthritis, a common condition causing pain and difficulty with everyday tasks. Current treatments, like exercises and advice (supported self-management), help many people in the short term, but we don't know how well they work longer-term, or for people with other health issues. This study will follow patients getting this treatment to see how their pain and hand problems change over six months. Researchers also want to understand people's experiences and find out why some benefit more than others. The goal is to make recommendations to improve care for everyone with thumb osteoarthritis in the future.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

150

Start

08 Aug 2023

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2025

Osteoarthritis Thumb

What is this study about?

You've probably heard of or experienced osteoarthritis, a common condition where the smooth cartilage covering the ends of bones wears down. This particular study focuses on osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb, which can be really painful and make everyday activities like gripping, writing, or opening jars very difficult.

Currently, the main way to help people with thumb osteoarthritis is through 'supported self-management'. This means getting advice, learning exercises to strengthen your hand, getting practical tips for tasks that cause pain, and sometimes using a hand splint for support. These treatments are usually provided by occupational therapists or physiotherapists.

While we know these treatments can help in the short term (up to about three months), we don't fully understand how effective they are over longer periods, like six months. Also, much of the previous research was done on people who didn't have many other health problems. This study aims to fill these gaps by observing how people's pain and hand function change over six months, understand their experiences with care, and figure out why some people get a lot of relief while others might not benefit as much. Ultimately, the researchers hope to use this information to make recommendations for even better care in the future.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on thumb osteoarthritis, a common painful condition.
It observes how standard self-management treatment works over six months.
Aims to understand why some people benefit more than others.
Involves answering questionnaires about your pain and hand function.
Results will help improve future NHS care for thumb osteoarthritis.
Participation involves no new treatments or medical risks.

Who may be eligible?

To be able to take part in this study, you would need to have clear signs of osteoarthritis at the base of your thumb. This could be things like swelling, a 'squaring' appearance at the base of your thumb, or pain when touching or moving the joint. You must also be able to understand and sign a consent form, and be available to attend your regular hand therapy appointments.

You would not be able to join if you're already receiving another type of therapy for your thumb osteoarthritis, or if you've had a recent fracture, significant injury, or surgery to your wrist or hand in the last six months. Previous surgery to the base of your thumb on the affected side would also exclude you. Additionally, if you have other specific health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout, or if you've recently taken part in another drug or medical device trial, you would not be eligible. If you've had a steroid injection in your thumb joint in the past two months, you'd also need to wait.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you have a clear diagnosis of thumb base osteoarthritis?
Are you able to attend appointments for hand therapy?
Have you had any surgery to your thumb or wrist in the last six months (excluding the one you're currently being treated for)?
Are you currently receiving any other therapy for your thumb osteoarthritis?
Have you been part of another drug or medical device trial recently?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be observed as you receive your usual supported self-management treatment for thumb osteoarthritis from NHS occupational or physiotherapists. This isn't a study where you'll be given a new or experimental treatment.

You will be asked to complete questionnaires, possibly online or by post, at three months and again at six months after you start your treatment. These questionnaires will ask about your symptoms, pain levels, how well you can use your hand, and your overall quality of life. A small group of participants will also be invited for an interview to talk about their experiences with the care they received and what they think helps make treatment successful. The total duration of your participation in the study will be six months, following the start of your treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no new medical treatments or procedures involved in this study, so there are no direct medical risks. The main benefit is helping researchers understand more about thumb osteoarthritis treatments, which could lead to better care for you and others in the future. You might also find it helpful to reflect on your experiences through the questionnaires or interviews. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (4)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Pulvertaft Hand Centre
Verified postcode
Derby, United Kingdom
MOSAIC Service, Nottingham City Care
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom
Pennine MSK Partnership Ltd
Verified postcode
Oldham, United Kingdom
Kings Mill Hospital, Hand Therapy Service
Verified postcode
Sutton in Ashfield, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'supported self-management'?

It's a common treatment approach where you get advice, exercises, and practical tips from a therapist to help you manage your thumb osteoarthritis pain and improve hand function.

Will I receive new medicine or treatment methods in this study?

No, this study observes patients receiving the standard NHS supported self-management treatment. It's not testing new medications or procedures.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You will be involved for six months, starting from when you begin your thumb physiotherapy or occupational therapy treatment.

What kind of questions will I be asked?

You'll be asked about your pain levels, how well you can use your hand in daily activities, and your general well-being through questionnaires. Some people might also be invited for an interview about their treatment experience.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you can choose to stop participating in the study at any point without it affecting your medical care or relationship with your healthcare team.