How to Treat Arthritis of the Hand
January 5, 2023In this blog, we’re talking about a common problem with the hands and wrists: arthritis. Most people have heard of this term but may not be informed of the changes that happen to the body or the options for care. Like most medical problems that develop over time, early recognition often improves function–with lifestyle alterations.
The Anatomy of Your Wrists and Hands
The wrist is comprised of the two long bones of the forearm called the radius and ulna and then eight cube-shaped bones that make up the wrist. Just past the wrist bones are five long bones in the hands called the metacarpals, and your fingers all have three slender bones called phalanges.
Differences In the Thumbs
The thumb is a little different in that it only has two phalanges. The knuckles of our hands are where the fingers and metacarpals meet and are the main joints responsible for gripping and grasping. The ends of each bone are covered with a slippery surface called cartilage that allow for joint movement.
How The Hand Moves
Our fingers and wrists can move because your forearm muscles are connected to the bones by slender, cordlike structures called tendons. Tendons on the top side of the hands and wrists are called extensor tendons because they move the back of the hand up.
Tendons on the opposite side of the hands and wrists are called flexor tendons. These tendons create movements within the joint, but this movement can be affected by arthritis.
Causes of Arthritis in the Hand
While arthritis occurs frequently with aging, it does not affect all joints equally and is not always painful. Because the joints of the hands and fingers are easily seen underneath the layer of skin over them, small changes around the joint are visible.
Damage to the Cartilage
Arthritis begins as a change in the health of the cartilage. Cartilage is 70% water but is designed to be a durable, sponge-like tissue that traps the water in place. Cartilage breakdown is a common symptom of overuse, but can also develop conditions like osteoarthritis.
Joint Swelling
As a joint becomes affected by arthritis, there may be swelling from increased joint fluid production, which leads to:
- An altered joint surface
- A thickening of the bone edges around the joint
- Eventual loss of movement of the joint
The amount of discomfort in the joint varies. In the hands, there can be significant visible changes without much pain.
The Most Common Source of Pain for Hand Arthritis
The most frequent joint where pain surfaces is in the base of the thumb. As you might expect, arthritis here is most found in the dominant hand. The cause is usually due to the forces that are applied after years of gripping and grasping.
When arthritis occurs in the thumb joint, almost any use of the hand becomes painful. Patients often experience painful episodes or flare-ups, with intervals of little pain in between. Depending on the amount you use this joint, you may experience arthritis as early as your fifties.
Pain Progression Over Time
At first the pain is often mild and intermittent and will be eliminated with rest; however, over time the intensity increases. Even with rest, the affected wrist will be painful. X-rays of the wrist are necessary to assess other causes of pain in this area, but a careful examination by a physician usually results in a diagnosis of arthritis.
Treatments for Hand Arthritis
Treatment options for arthritis of the hand include:
- The use of a brace to help decrease friction around the joint
- Changes or modifications in daily hand use or job requirements
- Oral medications like ibuprofen that relieve mild pain and decrease inflammation
- Injectable medications such as cortisone that shrinks inflamed tissues
Ultimately, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve the grinding that occurs around the damaged joint surface. The more intense and longer lasting the symptoms, the more involved the care will be.
Recovering After Arthritis Treatments
Finger joints frequently lose their flexibility with arthritis but are still useful. While they may appear enlarged and disfigured, they still allow for gripping and grasping.
Gentle stretching of all the finger joints on a regular basis will help maintain as much movement as possible; however, stretching does not actually stop or limit arthritic changes from increasing.
Treating Arthritis in the Finger Joints
Treatments for finger joint arthritis include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Joint warming with soaks or heated devices
- Short term bracing or splint use
- Frequent rest periods
Unfortunately, those who have hobbies or lifestyles with lots of hand use seem to get arthritis and are disappointed to learn that their treatment involves limiting the activities that they enjoy.
Seeking Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatments for hand arthritis are limited to the most severe situations, and joint fusion is usually the most reliable procedure. Joint replacements for the thumb and finger joints are available, but they do not show the same success rate as hip or knee replacements.
While arthritis in the hands is common, it doesn’t have to keep you from living a successful life. A few key steps can maintain your hand use and help you to enjoy your ability to use your hands and fingers.
The Bone and Joint Center of Yuma can help diagnose and treat arthritis in the hands or fingers. Contact us to book an appointment.