Hand, Thumb, and Wrist Arthritis
Hand, Wrist & Thumb Arthritis Overview
Arthritis is the inflammation of joint bone, cartilage and soft tissue. Two types of arthritis affect the hand, thumb and wrist:
- Osteoarthritis. “Wear and tear” arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Immune system arthritis.
Early arthritis treatment is always best. A nonsurgical treatment plan reduces symptoms and prevents the condition from becoming worse. Patients who experience arthritis of the hand, thumb or wrist symptoms are encouraged to make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) hand specialist as soon as possible.
Symptoms & Causes
Arthritis of the hand, thumb and wrist symptoms include:
- Decreased range of motion
- Difficulty moving the joint
- Difficulty gripping, grabbing and holding onto objects
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
Wear and tear associated with aging is the most common osteoarthritis cause. Early-onset osteoarthritis after an accident or injury is another cause. Rheumatoid arthritis causes are not yet known.
Common Treatments:
Nonsurgical treatment options treat the majority arthritis of the hand, thumb and wrist cases. After a thorough evaluation, a CONA hand specialist may recommend:
- Activity modification
- A removable brace
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy
- Rest, ice, compression, elevation
- Rheumatoid arthritis medications
Surgery may be a recommended treatment option when severe arthritis does not respond to nonsurgical treatment options. Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained CONA hand specialists perform all minimally invasive and open procedures. Arthritic bone, cartilage and tissue are treated so the joint can move freely and easily without pain.
Diagnosis:
A CONA hand specialist:
- Obtains a medical history, which includes a list of all symptoms, medical conditions and injuries
- Performs a series of physical examinations
- Orders and analyzes medical imaging studies, including x-rays and possibly an MRI, CT scan and bloodwork
Arthritis type and severity are accurately diagnosed