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Arthritis of the Hand

Hands are used frequently, and arthritis of the hand and wrist can be bad news. Arthritis of the hand causes pain and swelling, stiffness and deformity. As it progresses, everyday tasks become more difficult.

What is hand arthritis and how does it develop?

Arthritis is a general term used for inflammation of the joints. There are over 100 types of arthritis, the most common of which are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Your hands and wrists have small, multiple joints that work together to produce motion. When the joints are healthy, they move easily because of slippery tissue called articular cartilage. The cartilage covers the ends of the bones, providing a smooth, gliding surface for the joints. The gliding surface exists because of synovial fluid, an oil-like substance produced by the joint lining called the synovium. Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear type of arthritis. This happens when the cartilage wears away, causing the ends of bones to rub together without protection, resulting in pain, stiffness and loss of movement over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, long-term inflammatory autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the healthy tissues of the joints. The inflammation affects the smaller joints first and then eventually spreads to other joints. Arthritis can also be a result of trauma. Fractures, especially those that affect the joint surface, are the most common injuries that lead to arthritis.

What are the common symptoms of arthritis in the hands?

Joint pain is the most common and earliest symptom of hand arthritis. The pain is usually described as a “dull” or “burning” sensation. This is usually felt after periods of increased joint usage such as grasping or heavy gripping. In some cases, the pain doesn’t occur immediately after the activity. It may take hours after the event before the pain is felt. Morning pain and stiffness are typical.

Aside from pain, there can also be joint swelling, warmth on the affected joint, and sensation of grating or grinding.

When arthritis affects the end joints of the fingers, there can be formation of small cysts. These cysts may cause dents in the nail plate of the affected finger.

Arthritis of the hand

How is arthritis in the hand diagnosed?

Examining the hand with X-rays will show loss of bone cartilage and formation of bone spurs. For rheumatoid arthritis, a blood test may be recommended.

How to treat hand arthritis

Arthritis can be managed and treated. The experts at South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine urge patients to seek early intervention. This can make your life easier while reducing the potential disabilities brought by the disease.

Nonsurgical and Surgical Treatment

There are nonsurgical interventions for hand arthritis including taking anti inflammatory medications, splinting, and injections.

If these nonsurgical methods provide no relief, surgery may be an option.

The type of surgery is determined by the underlying cause of the arthritis in the hand, its severity, and the chance of providing long-term pain relief and mobility improvement.

We have an entire team of hand & wrist specialists at South Florida Orthopedics & Sports Medicine who are ready to care for your specific needs. Whether you need physical or occupational therapy, conservative treatment options, or minimally invasive surgery, we work with you so you can feel better faster. To request an appointment, please contact us or call (772) 288-2400.

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