What Is Hand Arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. Joints use articular cartilage in between bones to move smoothly. Arthritis is when the cartilage decreases gradually causing pain and inflammation in the joints.
More Information About Hand Arthritis
Causes
Causes
Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis that generally affects older people. This condition is also called “Wear and Tear Arthritis” as it causes cartilage to to wear away
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease that can affect many joints. It causes the synovium, the joint, the lining of joints, to swell. This causes pain and stiffness in the joint. This condition starts in smaller joints normally in the hand or foot. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a symmetrical condition, meaning it usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body.
Fractions and dislocations, specifically those that damage the joint surface can also lead to arthritis. Even when properly treated a injured joint is more likely to become arthritic over time.
Symptoms
Pain: Early symptoms include pain after activities involving the joint. Pain may start hours after activity or even the next day. Stiffness in the morning is normal.
Swelling: As a result of increased use the joint may swell to prevent further damage.
Warmth: The affected joint may feel warm to touch due to the inflammation.
Treatments
Non-Surgical:
There are numerous non-surgical treatment options for hand and wrist arthritis. These options are based on:
- How far the arthritis has progresses
- Number of joints involved
- Your age, activity level and other medical conditions
- If the dominant or non-dominant hand is affected
- Your personal goals, home support structure, and ability to understand the treatment and comply with a therapy program
Medication: Medication treats symptoms, but does not restore joint cartilage or reverse joint damage. The most common medications for arthritis are anti-inflammatories, which stops the joints from swelling and reduces pain. Medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are the most common.
Injections: Injections are used when anti-inflammatory medication is appropriate. Injections typically contain a long-lasting anesthetic and a steroid that can provide pain relief for weeks to months. They can be repeated, but only a limited number of times, due to possible side effects, such as lightening of the skin, weakening of the tendons and ligaments and infection.
Splinting: Injections and splinting are used together on the affected joint. The splint supports the affected joint to ease the stress placed on it from frequent use and activities. Splints are typically worn during periods when the joints hurt. They should be small enough to allow functional use of the hand when they are worn. Wearing the splint for too long can lead to muscle deterioration.
Surgical:
When nonsurgical treatment fails to improve the condition, surgery is usually discussed. There are several surgical options. The goal of the chosen surgical treatment should be long term pain relief and the return function. The treatment should be tailored to your individual goals and needs. If the joint can be preserved or reconstructed, this is the preferred option. When the damage has progressed to a point that the surfaces will no longer work, a joint replacement or a fusion is performed.
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