# Hand Arthritis

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/hand-arthritis/
- Published: 2019-01-17T20:33:08-05:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

# Hand, Thumb, and Wrist Arthritis

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### 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:

 1. **_Osteoarthritis._** “Wear and tear” arthritis.
 2. **_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