Overview
Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the joints of your wrists, hands and fingers. Arthritis in your hand and wrist can impact your day-to-day activities.
Joint and Spine
Hand & Wrist Arthritis
Our orthopedic experts are skilled in managing your hand and wrist arthritis symptoms, reducing pain and limiting joint damage.
Types of Hand & Wrist Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It’s the result of cartilage breaking down or wearing away, often due to aging or injury.
Rheumatoid arthritis, commonly known as RA, is an autoimmune disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your joints. If you have RA, it is important to work with a specialist to help prevent damage to your joints and internal organs.
Hand & Wrist Arthritis Signs & Symptoms
- Joint inflammation, pain and/or stiffness
- Limited movement or range of motion in your hand or wrist
- Swelling or warmth in your hand or wrist joint
Diagnosing Hand & Wrist Arthritis
We can determine the cause and location of your hand and wrist pain through your health history and a physical exam. You may also need one or more of the following tests:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—produces detailed pictures of the bones and soft tissue in your hand and wrist.
- X-rays—images of your hand and wrist.
Hand & Wrist Arthritis Treatment
Our hand and wrist orthopedic specialists tailor treatments for hand and wrist arthritis to meet the needs of each patient.
Nonsurgical Treatments
We offer several nonsurgical treatment options, including:
- Activity modification—to ensure your joints have time to rest and recover.
- Cortisone injections—to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Heat—to warm the joints before engaging in daily activities or exercise.
- Ice—to reduce soreness and inflammation in the affected area.
- Medication—prescription and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy, regular exercise and stretching—to strengthen hand and wrist muscles.
Surgical Treatment
Depending on the severity and duration of your arthritis symptoms, your doctor might recommend minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery or joint replacement surgery.
