OverviewWhat is arthritis of the hand?Arthritis is a disease that attacks the tissues of your joints. A joint is where two bones meet. Arthritis can attack the lining of your joint or the cartilage, the smooth covering at the ends of bones. Eventually the cartilage breaks down, the ends of your bones become exposed, rub against each other and wear away. You have many joints in your hand, therefore it’s a common site for arthritis to happen. Show
Arthritis of the hand causes pain and swelling, stiffness and deformity. As arthritis progresses, you can’t use your hands to manage everyday tasks as you once could. Are there different types of arthritis that affect the hands?Yes. There are many, but these are some of the more common ones.
What parts of the hand are most affected by arthritis?The four areas of your hand attacked by arthritis are:
Who gets arthritis in their hands?You are more likely to get arthritis in your hands if:
Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms of arthritis in the hands?Early symptoms include:
If you've had arthritis in your hand(s) for some time:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is arthritis in the hand diagnosed?Your healthcare provider can make the diagnosis of arthritis of the hand by examining your hand and with X-rays. X-rays show loss of bone cartilage and formation of bone spurs. A blood test for rheumatoid factor and other markers can help determine if the cause is rheumatoid arthritis. Management and TreatmentHow is arthritis in the hand treated?Treatment options depend on the type of arthritis, stage of arthritis, how many joints are affected, your age, activity level, the hand affected (if it's your dominant hand) and other existing medical conditions. Goals of treatment are to:
Treatment options include splinting/bracing, medications, injections, non-drug approaches and surgery. Splinting/braces Splits or braces support and protect the affected joint, reduce deformity, provide joint stability, lessen strain, and promote proper joint alignment. Your healthcare provider, occupational therapist or hand therapist will discuss splinting/bracing options, how and when to wear them and how long to wear them (wearing splints or braces too long can cause your muscles to weaken). Medications Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to reduce your joint pain and swelling and, in the case of rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, to prevent joint damage. Your provider may try different drug classes, depending on the severity and type of your arthritis. For osteoarthritis, only acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended for limited use (as needed) for relief of your symptoms. There are currently no medications approved that help slow the progression of osteoarthritis. The drugs listed below are used to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Before taking any over-the-counter medication, make sure you check with your provider, as there are risks and reasons for not using these medications (depending on your other health conditions and/or medications).
Steroid injections Steroids reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Steroids are usually used if medications don’t control inflammation or if the inflammation is limited to a few joints. Injections are administered directly into the affected joint. Because steroids can weaken tendons and ligaments, injections are repeated only a few times. Other management strategies A complete treatment plan for arthritis of the hand includes these additional approaches:
Surgery If nonsurgical treatments no longer provide relief and the cartilage at the ends of your bones has worn away, surgery may be an option. There are several approaches:
You and your surgeon will discuss which surgical approach might be best for your hand considering your age, activity level, the joint(s) affected and the amount of pain and deformity you’re experiencing. What type of hand surgery is most commonly performed on the specific joints affected by arthritis?
What should I expect after hand surgery?You may need a cast or splint after surgery to protect your hand while it’s healing. Your surgeon may refer you to a hand therapist. Your provider will likely prescribe pain medication to take for a limited amount of time to reduce discomfort. What are the complications of hand surgery?Complications of hand surgery include:
How long does it take to recover from hand surgery?Recovery time depends on many factors, including the severity of your condition, type of surgery you had, the skill of your surgeon and your compliance with therapy. Most people can return to their activities about three months after joint reconstruction surgery. Your team of caregivers can give you the best estimate of your particular recovery time. Are there any other treatment options being investigated?For osteoarthritis, some clinical research trials are underway in the U.S. exploring stem cell treatment. Early findings are encouraging. Over the past decade, researchers developed many new medications for psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, with more studies underway. PreventionCan arthritis in the hand be prevented?Arthritis can’t be prevented. However, you can watch for symptoms of arthritis as you age and see your healthcare provider if you notice changes in your joints. You can also take steps to control factors that you can control. Eat healthy to nourish your body and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts more stress on your joints. Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk of arthritis. Outlook / PrognosisWhat outcome can I expect if I have arthritis in my hands?There is no cure for arthritis. However, you can usually manage mild to moderate symptoms with a combination of medication and non-medication approaches. Surgery may be an option if other treatments fail or the arthritis in your hands is severe. Your healthcare provider will explain what outcome you can expect for your type and severity of arthritis, your age, other existing medical conditions and other factors. Are glucosamine and chondroitin supplements helpful for treating osteoarthritis of the hand?Supplements are not reviewed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to undergo the same rigorous clinical trial methods that medications must undergo in the U.S. Some clinical trials show benefits with pain relief; however, there is no proof that these supplements slow the progression of osteoarthritis. If you plan to try these, always check with your healthcare provider before using supplements. These products may interfere with medications you currently take. A note from Cleveland Clinic Dull or burning joint pain, morning stiffness, swollen joints in your hand are all symptoms of arthritis. Many types of arthritis could affect your hands. Many treatment options are available depending on your exact arthritis type. Medications can reduce joint pain and swelling. Researchers are still working on ways to slow the progression of osteoarthritis. See your healthcare provider if you think you have arthritis in your hands. They will perform a complete exam and offer you a complete treatment plan, which includes hand exercises, use of hot and cold packs, other lifestyle tips and traditional treatments including medications, braces/splints, steroid injections and surgery. What are the first signs of arthritis in fingers?Symptoms in the fingers. Pain. Pain is a common early symptom of arthritis in the hands and fingers. ... . Swelling. Joints may swell with overuse. ... . Warm to the touch. Swelling can also cause the joints to feel warm to the touch. ... . Stiffness. ... . Bending of the middle joint. ... . Numbness and tingling. ... . Bumps in the fingers. ... . Weakness.. What age does arthritis start in fingers?Osteoarthritis can affect anyone at any age, but it's more common in women over the age of 50. Some of the factors that can make you more likely to develop osteoarthritis in your hands include: being female. the genes you inherit.
How can I check my hand for arthritis at home?Common symptoms of arthritis include: pain with movement or when at rest. joint swelling, stiffness, and deformity. weakness in the grip and reduced function.. inflammation.. dactylitis, which is a sausage-like swelling in the fingers.. changes in skin color.. reduced movement in the joints.. |