While arthritis in the hands is common, it is often a misunderstood condition. Arthritis develops slowly over time, affecting joints and tissues in both the hands and fingers. This condition can affect simple, everyday activities like typing, writing, or even opening a door. For some individuals, the pain, stiffness, and swelling can be managed with non-surgical treatments. While non-invasive treatments can help some patients, some may need surgical intervention when symptoms become unmanageable.
Understanding Arthritis in The Hands
Arthritis occurs in the hands when the joints in the fingers or wrists become inflamed, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. There are several different types of arthritis, the two most common being Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
1. Osteoarthritis
OA is a degenerative disease that typically results from wear and tear on the joints. Over time, the cartilage between the joints breaks down, leading to friction between bones. This causes symptoms like joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and, in some severe cases, deformities. Osteoarthritis in the hands most commonly affects the thumb, knuckles, and joints at the base of the fingers.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unlike OA, RA is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own joints. This leads to inflammation and swelling, eventually causing joint damage and deformities. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple joints in the hand and cause loss of strength, making simple tasks difficult to perform.
Although osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis occur for different reasons, they both can impact the function of the hands, leading to loss of strength, flexibility, and range of motion. In severe cases, the joints can become damaged or deformed, making surgery necessary for treatment.
Arthritis Treatment Options for Hand Pain
Before resorting to surgical intervention, many will try other arthritis treatments to help alleviate symptoms. The goal of noninvasive treatment is to reduce joint pain while improving function and preventing further damage to the joints of the hands.
1. Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief for those suffering from arthritic conditions. In more severe arthritis cases, corticosteroid injections into the damaged joints may be used to provide longer-lasting relief for patients.
For those with RA specifically, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be prescribed to slow down the progression and prevent joint damage. TNF inhibitors can also be prescribed to target the immune system’s inflammatory process.
2. Physical and Hand Therapy
Hand therapy is an effective way to manage arthritic symptoms in the hand. A certified therapist can guide you through exercises designed to improve the range of motion and strength. Physical therapy can also be used to increase blood flow to the joints.
Therapists may recommend splints or braces to provide joint support, improve alignment, and reduce strain. By providing stability, splints can reduce the risk of further damage and work to improve hand function. Hand therapy can also teach individuals proper techniques that will work to put less strain on their joints.
3. Splints and Braces
Splints or braces help provide support to the joints in the hands and fingers, allowing pain relief and preventing further damage from wear and tear. This option is particularly beneficial for those with arthritis in the thumb and wrist.
4. Lifestyle Modifications
Making lifestyle modifications to daily activities can help manage joint pain and prevent further damage to the joints. For example, ergonomic tools can reduce stress on the joints during daily tasks like typing, cooking, and cleaning. Occupational therapy can help provide adaptive strategies to make life easier to reduce the need for repetitive hand movements.
5. Heat and Cold Therapy
Rotating heat and cold to the affected area can help alleviate some symptoms of arthritis. Heat therapy and using a warm compress can help relax joints that may be stiff and increase blood flow. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and numbs pain. Alternating between the two can provide relief from stiffness and swelling.
When Should I Consider Hand Arthritis Surgery?
While noninvasive treatments are effective for many people with arthritic conditions, there are cases where surgery may be necessary. Surgery opens up as an option when conservative measures fail to provide relief or when joint pain increases and function deteriorates. Here are some signs you may need to consider hand arthritis surgery:
1. Chronic and Severe Pain
If your joint pain is persistent and doesn’t improve over time after trying conservative treatment options, it may be time to discuss surgical options with your provider. Chronic pain that disrupts your day-to-day life or prevents you from performing daily tasks is a significant indicator that the arthritis has progressed to a point where surgery may be necessary.
2. Reduced Hand Function
Significant loss of hand function is one of the most telling signs that surgery is necessary. If arthritis has caused deformities, you may experience difficulty gripping objects or performing fine motor tasks.
3. Joint Damage Progression
If diagnostic imaging like X-rays or MRIs shows advanced joint damage, cartilage loss, bone spurs, or deformities, surgery may be necessary to prevent further damage. Joint replacement or fusion can offer long-term relief for most cases.
Types of Hand Arthritis Surgery
1. Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where a tiny camera is inserted through small incisions to visualise and treat joint damage in the hands. Surgeons can remove damaged tissue, clean out joint spaces, and smooth surfaces in the joints to reduce pain and improve function.
2. Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)
For advanced cases, joint fusion may be the best option. In this procedure, the affected joint is fused, eliminating pain while reducing the joint’s flexibility. While this procedure might decrease movement in the hand, it can provide significant relief.
3. Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty)
Joint replacement involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with a surgical prosthesis. For the hands, joint replacement is most commonly performed on the finger joints. Replacement is used to restore motion and improve hand strength.
Book an Appointment with the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!
JOI Physicians continue to offer new online patient appointments. This is a convenient option to make new patient appointments with shorter phone hold times. Contact us today to discuss treatment options for arthritis or hand arthritis surgery.