Arthritis is painful no matter where it strikes. But hand arthritis is particularly debilitating since we use our hands for so many daily functions. We depend on them to hold, grasp, lift, push, pull, twist, write, knead, mold, play music … and so many other things.
Considering there are no less than 27 bones and multiple joints in the wrist and hand, it’s not surprising that hand arthritis is so prevalent.
Symptoms of Hand Arthritis
Typically, hand arthritis first manifests itself as pain that develops following the extensive use of your hand. The pain gets progressively worse with increased use of the hand while resting your hand can relieve the discomfort. As hand arthritis progresses, it causes morning stiffness and increased pain when you use your hands. Other symptoms may include inflammation, crepitus (a grating sound or sensation), fingers that lock, and cysts or nodules on the fingers.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint disorder characterized by:
- Hard knobs/bumps along the fingers
- A soft lump on the back of the hand
- Ulnar deviation (the drifting of fingers away from the thumb)
- Tendon rupture, making it difficult to bend or straighten the fingers
- Joint deformity
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness or tingling of the hand)
Osteoarthritis is another form of hand arthritis that occurs when the flexible tissue at the ends of your bones wears down. Symptoms of hand osteoarthritis include pain at the base of your thumb and bony nodules (bumps) at the joints in your fingers.
Diagnosing Hand Arthritis
There are three ways that orthopedists diagnose hand arthritis:
- Physical Examination. Your doctor will have you open your hands, then check the alignment of your fingers and look for any abnormalities. Also, the doctor will have you pinch or grip an object to test the strength and function of your hand. The doctor can also determine if there is any joint tenderness by feeling your hand.
- X-rays. These imaging tests are usually taken to find any trace of joint space narrowing, bony outgrowth associated with the degeneration of cartilage in the joints, or the presence of bone along the joint margins.
- Blood Tests. A multitude of these lab tests may be conducted, including those focused on rheumatoid factor; sedimentation rate; C-reactive protein (CRP), a market for inflammation; and anti-CCP antibody to help confirm a diagnosis for rheumatoid arthritis.
Treating Hand Arthritis
To relieve hand arthritis pain and improve function, orthopedic specialists start by recommending the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesic (pain) medications. Other options include rest, heat, cortisone injections, and splints. Also, exercises under the supervision of a hand therapist can help you improve and maintain the movement and function of your arthritic hand.
If these treatment options fail, surgery may be considered, but only as a last resort depending on the severity of your condition.
If you are experiencing hand arthritis or other hand or shoulder conditions, selecting a reputable surgeon is one of the best ways to find the relief you need to restore your mobility and get back to your active lifestyle. The staff at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder is highly skilled at performing shoulder diagnoses and surgeries – and they’ve helped patients with a wide range of orthopedic issues. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, call (410) 296-6232.
