Hand & Wrist Arthritis

Are you struggling with a sharp pain when opening a jar? Or have you noticed a persistent dull ache in your finger joints? These symptoms may point to hand and wrist arthritis, a condition that can make everyday tasks difficult and frustrating.

Hand arthritis and wrist arthritis occur when the protective cartilage in the small joints of your hand and wrist joint wears down, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement.

The compassionate team at Alliance Orthopedics is here to provide expert care, helping you relieve pain, improve mobility, and return to your normal routine.

Causes of Hand & Wrist Arthritis

The hand and wrist contain eight small carpal bones connected by joints and surrounded by protective cartilage that allows for smooth movement. When this cartilage wears down, bones rub against each other, causing inflammation, stiffness, and joint pain.

The most common causes of hand arthritis and wrist arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): A common type caused by age-related wear and tear. As the cartilage wears, it leads to joint damage and the formation of bone spurs.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the small joints, leading to severe inflammation and deformities.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Another chronic disease that affects individuals with psoriasis, often impacting the joints closest to the nails, like the distal interphalangeal joints.
• Previous Injuries: Wrist injuries, fractures, or ligament damage can lead to developing osteoarthritis over time.
• Genetics and Risk Factors: A family history of arthritis, aging, or maintaining an unhealthy weight can increase your likelihood of developing arthritis in the hand and wrist.

Common Symptoms of Hand & Wrist Arthritis

Arthritis in the hand and wrist often progresses gradually, starting with mild discomfort and worsening over time. Here are the common symptoms to watch for:

• Joint pain in the wrist joint, finger joints, or thumb mobility when gripping or moving.
• Morning pain and stiffness that improve slightly with movement.
• Swelling and inflammation around the small bones of the hand and wrist.
• Bony lumps (called Heberden’s nodes) that form in the damaged joint.
• A dull ache or sharp pain that worsens during activity.
• Loss of mobility in the same joint making it hard to perform tasks like holding objects or turning a doorknob.
• Decreased blood supply leading to cold, stiff fingers.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking an accurate diagnosis early can prevent further joint damage and help relieve symptoms effectively.

Treatment Options for Hand & Wrist Arthritis

At Alliance Orthopedics, we take a comprehensive approach to hand and wrist arthritis care. Our personalized care plans prioritize effective, minimally invasive treatments to manage symptoms and slow arthritis progression. Treatment options include:

Splints or Braces

Wearing a splint or brace provides stability to the wrist joint and small joints in the hand. By limiting movement, these devices help reduce strain on the damaged joint, allowing inflammation to subside and promoting healing.

Corticosteroid Injections

For patients with persistent pain and swelling, steroid injections can provide targeted relief by reducing inflammation in the affected area. These injections offer significant pain reduction for weeks or months and can help improve mobility in the hand and wrist.

Occupational Therapy

Our specialized occupational therapists design tailored programs to strengthen the wrist joint and finger joints, improve flexibility, and reduce stiffness. Key components of physical therapy may include:

• Hand Exercises: Gentle stretches and strengthening routines to restore range of motion and grip strength.
• Joint Protection Techniques: Strategies to minimize stress on the wrist bones and small joints during daily tasks.
• Ergonomic Adjustments: Recommendations for tools and postures to prevent repetitive strain, ease discomfort, and reduce the chances of joint replacement.

Activity Modifications

Avoiding repetitive motions and taking regular breaks can help minimize strain on the hand and wrist. Small adjustments to how you lift, grip, or perform tasks can make a significant difference in preventing symptom flare-ups.

Cold Therapy

Applying an ice pack or cold compress to the affected joints can help reduce swelling and provide quick relief from sharp pain or inflammation after activity.

Preventing Arthritis Progression

While arthritis is a chronic disease, certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms and slow progression:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the joints.
• Take breaks from repetitive tasks to avoid straining the wrist joint.
• Perform regular hand exercises to maintain flexibility and strength.
• Use ergonomic tools to protect your small joints during daily activities.

If hand and wrist arthritis is causing pain and limiting your ability to perform daily activities, don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen. At Alliance Orthopedics, we provide tailored treatment plans to help you regain mobility and live with less discomfort.

Request an appointment for a consultation and let our team help you relieve pain, improve movement, and get back to doing what you love.