Hand Arthritis

Stiffness, swelling, and pain in your hands can make simple tasks—like opening jars or typing—frustrating and even painful. These symptoms are often signs of hand arthritis, a common condition that affects the joints and can impact your daily routine. At Austin Sports Medicine, serving Central and South Austin, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas, the experienced orthopedic team offers expert care for hand arthritis. If you're experiencing chronic hand pain or reduced function, call the office or schedule an appointment online.

What are the signs of hand arthritis?

Hand arthritis typically develops gradually, but symptoms can worsen over time. Common signs include:

• Pain, aching, or burning in the joints of the fingers or wrist
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
• Swelling or tenderness in the joints
• Reduced grip strength or difficulty grasping objects
• Bony growths or knobby joints (particularly at the base of the thumb or ends of fingers)
• A grinding sensation or clicking during movement

The most common forms of hand arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis: Caused by wear and tear over time
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Triggered by a previous injury to the hand or wrist

How is hand arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a review of your symptoms and a physical examination. Your provider will assess joint swelling, range of motion, and tenderness in your fingers, thumb, and wrist.

To confirm the diagnosis and determine the type and severity of arthritis, your provider may order:

• X-rays: To evaluate joint damage and detect bone spurs
• MRI or ultrasound: To view soft tissue changes not visible on X-rays
• Blood tests: If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, lab work may help detect inflammation markers or autoimmune activity
  

These tools allow your care team to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

How is hand arthritis treated?

In most cases, hand arthritis can be managed with conservative care, including:

• Activity modification: Avoiding repetitive hand motions that cause pain
• Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatories to reduce discomfort
• Splinting: Wearing a supportive brace to limit movement and protect joints
• Physical or occupational therapy: To improve hand function and reduce stiffness
• Corticosteroid injections: For longer-lasting relief in inflamed joints

If non-surgical methods don't provide relief and daily activities become difficult, surgical options may be considered. Depending on the affected area and severity, these include joint reconstruction, fusion, or joint replacement.

The team at Austin Sports Medicine takes a personalized approach to treating hand arthritis, helping patients manage symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle. If you're ready to regain control of your hand function and reduce pain, book a consultation by phone or online.