Hand Arthritis

Hand arthritis is degeneration of the joints of the hand and fingers, most commonly osteoarthritis, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.

Joint pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), swelling, reduced grip strength, and sometimes visible joint enlargement or deformity.

Wear-and-tear osteoarthritis is most common; rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis, and previous joint injury, are also causes.

See a hand surgeon if joint pain or stiffness limits daily activities or grip despite simple measures.

Clinical examination of joint alignment, swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.

X-rays assess joint space narrowing and bone changes; blood tests may be used if inflammatory arthritis is suspected.

Activity modification, splinting, anti-inflammatory medication, and joint injections for symptomatic relief.

Surgery is considered when pain and disability persist despite conservative treatment and significantly affect function.

Surgical options include joint fusion or joint replacement, chosen based on the affected joint and patient activity demands.

Recovery varies by procedure, typically ranging from several weeks for fusion healing to a gradual return of motion after joint replacement.

Surgery generally provides good pain relief; fusion sacrifices some motion for stability, while replacement aims to preserve motion.

Infection, stiffness, implant wear or loosening (for replacements), and nonunion (for fusions).