Arthritis of the Hand

What is Arthritis of the Hand?

Arthritis of the hand is a common source of hand pain in patients older than 40 years of age. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and is also known as degenerative joint disease. This is caused from normal “wear and tear” occurring gradually over time. The small joints in the fingers and the large joint at the base of the thumb are the most commonly affected.

What Are the Signs of Hand Arthritis?

Patients with arthritis if the hand often describe a gradual onset of “dull ache” pain in the joints and morning stiffness in the fingers. In some patients, the stiffness in the fingers gets worse and the patient notices decreased range of motion in the hand. Some of the knuckles can develop prominent bumps, which are seen as bone spurs or “osteophytes” on x-rays. In more severe cases, the fingers can develop deformity and appear crooked. Not everyone with arthritis develops deformity or much pain, however.

What Causes Arthritis of the Hand?

There are many factors which contribute to osteoarthritis including family history, injuries, and age. The joints in our bodies are made up of cartilage, which cushions and protects the end of the bones and allows for full range of motion. Over time, this protective cartilage becomes thin and wears away. In some patients, the cartilage surface is worn out and there is “bone-on-bone” grinding at the joint, which can be painful. This “wear and tear” process can be increased after an injury.

What Are the Treatment Options for Hand Arthritis?

Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are several treatments which can help reduce the symptoms. Simple things patients often try at home are warm water soaks in the morning, gentle range of motion exercises, and warm paraffin wax dips. There are many over-the-counter products which may help such as oral medications, dietary supplements, and ointments. Use of oral anti-inflammatory pills (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc.) can reduce pain, and should be used sparingly due to side-effects. Dietary “arthritis supplements” can reduce pain in some patients. 

Anti-inflammatory topical creams can be purchased over-the-counter and applied to the skin over a painful joint. Additionally, doctors can prescribe various types of braces and splints to help support arthritic joints. Corticosteroid injections (cortisone shots) can be used sparingly for a painful joint to reduce pain and swelling.

Is Surgery Needed for Arthritis of the Hand?

Most people do not require surgery for hand arthritis. If patients have tried non-surgical treatment and still have troublesome hand pain, surgery might be recommended. Depending on the patient and the affected area, either joint replacement or joint fusion surgeries are options. Your hand surgeon can discuss these options with you in our office.

Arthritis Relief at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder

Are you tired of living with the pain and discomfort of arthritis in your hand? Our experienced team of orthopedic surgeons and therapists at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center is here to help you. 

Take the first step towards arthritis relief and a better quality of life by filling out the form on the right-hand side of this page. You can also give us a call directly using the phone call button and schedule an appointment button, both located at the top of this page.

Let us guide you towards relief in the future. This video is from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.