Quick overview of the symptoms of hand arthritis
Early signs typically include:
- Dull or burning joint pain that appears hours or a day after increased use of your hands.
- Morning pain and stiffness in your hands.
- Swelling in your hand joints.
If you have had arthritis in your hand(s) for a while, symptoms tend to occur more frequently.
- Pain may change from a dull ache to sharp pain.
- Pain may wake you at night.
- Pain may cause you to change how you use your hand(s).
- The tissue surrounding your affected joint may become red and tender to the touch.
- You might hear a grating, grinding, cracking, or clicking sound (crepitus) when bending your fingers.
- Your fingers are unable to open or close entirely.
- Small bony nodules develop on the middle finger joints, known as Bouchard’s nodes, or on the top finger joints, called Heberden’s nodes.
Your finger joints enlarge, deform, and bend abnormally, causing weakness and reducing your ability to perform daily tasks.
What exactly is hand arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that affects the tissues in your joints. A joint is the point where two bones meet. The disease can target the joint lining or the cartilage, the smooth covering at the ends of bones. Over time, the cartilage deteriorates, exposing the bone ends, which then rub against each other and wear down. Because your hands have many joints, they are a common site for arthritis.
Arthritis of the hand causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity. As arthritis progresses, you may find it harder to perform everyday tasks with your hands as you once could.
Who is at risk of developing hand arthritis?
Anyone of any age can develop hand arthritis, but you are more likely to develop it if:
- Being over 25, since rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis often begin between ages 35 and 50, whereas osteoarthritis typically starts after age 50.
- Being a woman or a person assigned female at birth, you experience declining estrogen levels as you age.
- Carrying excess weight can put additional strain on your joints.
- Having a history of dislocated or fractured joints in your hands or fingers increases the likelihood of developing post-traumatic arthritis.
- Having a family history of arthritis.
How is hand arthritis diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose hand arthritis through a physical exam and X-ray imaging. X-rays reveal joint cartilage loss and the development of bone spurs. Additionally, blood tests for rheumatoid factor and other markers can help determine whether rheumatoid arthritis is the underlying cause.
How is hand arthritis treated?
Treatment options vary based on the type and stage of arthritis, the number of affected joints, your age and activity level, whether the affected hand is your dominant hand, and other medical conditions you may have.
Treatment options include:
- Splinting or bracing: involves using splints or braces to support and protect the affected joint, help reduce deformity, stabilize the joint, lessen strain, and promote correct alignment. Your doctor, occupational therapist, or hand therapist will explain the options, proper use, the duration of wear, and the importance of not wearing splints or braces for too long, as excessive use can weaken muscles.
- Medications: The list below includes drugs used to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Always check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medicines, as there may be risks or reasons to avoid them based on your other health conditions and medications. Acetaminophen helps relieve pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) decrease pain and swelling in affected joints. Examples include ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, and celecoxib. Topical NSAIDs are the primary topical treatment option for osteoarthritis.
- Injections: involving steroids help decrease inflammation and ease pain. They are typically used when medications fail to control inflammation or when inflammation is limited to a few joints. The injections are given directly into the affected joint. Since steroids can weaken tendons and ligaments, these injections are usually repeated only a few times.
- Surgery: may be an option if nonsurgical treatments no longer alleviate symptoms and the cartilage in your bones has deteriorated. You and your surgeon will discuss the best surgical approach for your hand, taking into account your age, activity level, affected joints, and the extent of pain and deformity.
Home remedies
A comprehensive hand arthritis treatment plan also incorporates these supplementary methods:
- Exercises: such as strengthening and stretching aim to decrease symptoms and improve function. A hand therapist will work with you to identify the best exercises to manage your hand arthritis.
- Hot and cold packs: Cold therapy can help decrease pain and swelling, while heat therapy can alleviate stiffness. Use each for no longer than 20 minutes at a time.
- Taking regular rest breaks: can help lessen joint pain and inflammation.
- Maintaining a healthy diet: while effectively managing diabetes and cholesterol levels.
- Weight loss: for those who are obese or overweight.
- Stopping smoking: reduces your risk of developing arthritis.
- Occupational therapy: focuses on teaching how to use self-help devices, such as those that aid with dressing or preparing food in the kitchen.
Explore Hand Arthritis Symptoms
Living with Arthritis in the hands
Since osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, receiving support is crucial for managing issues such as reduced mobility and for seeking financial aid if needed. Consulting a GP or another healthcare professional with osteoarthritis can be beneficial, especially if you have questions or concerns. Symptoms often include dull or burning joint pain, morning stiffness, and swollen hand joints. Many types of arthritis can affect hand joints, and treatment options differ based on the specific form. Medications can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Ongoing research aims to slow the progression of osteoarthritis. If you believe you have hand arthritis, visit your doctor for a comprehensive assessment and a personalized treatment plan, which may include hand exercises, hot and cold packs, lifestyle changes, and conventional treatments such as medications, braces or splints, steroid injections, or surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas of the hand are most impacted by arthritis?
The four areas of your hand impacted by arthritis include: the base of your thumb where it connects to your wrist, your knuckles, the middle joints of your fingers, and the top joints near your nails.
What kinds of symptoms or changes could I notice if I have arthritis in my hands?
While there is no cure for arthritis, mild to moderate symptoms can often be controlled through a combination of medication and non-medical strategies. Surgery might be considered if other options do not work or if your hand arthritis is advanced. Your doctor will discuss potential outcomes tailored to your specific situation, including the type and severity of arthritis, your age, other health conditions, and additional factors.
How much time is typically needed to recover after hand surgery?
Recovery time varies based on several factors, such as the severity of your condition, the kind of surgery performed, your surgeon’s expertise, and how well you follow your therapy plan. Generally, most individuals can resume activities around three months after joint reconstruction. Your care team is the best source for an accurate recovery estimate.
What are the potential complications associated with hand surgery?
Complications from hand surgery can include limited improvement in mobility, the need to replace an implant that breaks or wears out, and issues such as bones failing to fuse or align correctly during fusion surgery.
Is it possible to prevent hand arthritis?
While arthritis cannot be prevented, you can monitor for symptoms as you age and consult your healthcare provider if you notice joint changes. Managing certain risk factors is also beneficial. Eating nutritious foods helps nourish your body and maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight, indicated by a BMI over 25, adds extra strain on your joints. Additionally, avoid smoking, as it raises your risk of developing arthritis.
