Understanding Osteoarthritis of the Hand: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Osteoarthritis of the Hand?

Osteoarthritis is often referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis. When it affects the hand, it primarily involves the joints at the base of the thumb, the middle and top joints of the fingers, and the wrist. Over time, the loss of cartilage leads to bone-on-bone contact, resulting in joint damage and discomfort.

Causes of Hand Osteoarthritis

The exact cause of osteoarthritis isn’t fully understood, but several factors can contribute to its development:

• Aging: The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age as cartilage naturally wears down.
• Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis can make you more susceptible.
• Previous injuries: Fractures, sprains, or other hand injuries can predispose the joints to arthritis.
• Repetitive motion: Overuse of the hand joints through repetitive tasks can accelerate cartilage wear.
• Underlying conditions: Other joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Hand Osteoarthritis

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis in the hand include:

• Pain in the joints, especially during or after use
• Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity
• Swelling and tenderness around the affected joints
• A loss of grip strength or dexterity
• Visible deformities, such as bony growths (nodes) on the finger joints
• A grating or clicking sensation when moving the joints

Diagnosing Hand Osteoarthritis

A healthcare provider can diagnose hand osteoarthritis through:

1. Physical examination: Assessing joint swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.
2. Imaging tests: X-rays can reveal joint damage, bone spurs, and cartilage loss.
3. Lab tests: While not specific to osteoarthritis, these can rule out other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment Options for Hand Osteoarthritis

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve joint function:

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs can reduce pain and inflammation.
• Splinting or bracing: Wearing a splint can provide joint support and reduce strain.
• Physical therapy: Hand exercises can strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce stiffness.
• Topical treatments: Creams or gels containing pain-relieving ingredients can provide localized relief.
• Corticosteroid injections: These can help reduce severe inflammation in specific joints.

Surgical Treatments

For severe cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery may be an option. Common procedures include:

• Joint fusion: Permanently fusing the bones in a joint to eliminate pain.
• Joint replacement: Replacing the damaged joint with an artificial implant.
• Trapeziectomy: Removing a small bone at the base of the thumb to relieve pain.

Living with Hand Osteoarthritis

Managing hand osteoarthritis involves a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments. Here are some tips:

• Use ergonomic tools and devices to reduce joint strain.
• Perform low-impact exercises to maintain joint mobility.
• Apply heat or cold therapy to manage pain and stiffness.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce overall joint stress.

Preventing Osteoarthritis of the Hand

While osteoarthritis cannot always be prevented, you can take steps to reduce your risk:

• Protect your hands from injuries.
• Avoid repetitive hand motions or take frequent breaks during such activities.
• Practice good posture and ergonomics when using tools or typing.
• Stay active to strengthen the muscles around your joints.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis of the hand can be a challenging condition, but with proper treatment and self-care, it is possible to manage symptoms and maintain hand function. If you suspect you have hand osteoarthritis, consult a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan.

For more information about joint health and treatments, explore our blog or schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today.