World Class Hand Arthritis Treatment

Our joints are the intersection where two bones meet and articulate, which then allows this joint to move. All joints throughout the body are lined with a slick substance known as cartilage, which allows for the smooth movement of one bone relative to another. Arthritis is a generic term that indicates the degeneration of this cartilage which leads to “bone on bone” motion, which causes significant pain and deformity. 

No, finger, wrist, shoulder, and elbow arthritis are not treated the same. The treatment for each type of arthritis depends on the location and severity of the condition, as well as the patient's overall health and medical history.

Pain is the most common presenting symptom for patients who are developing or have developed arthritis of the fingers. There is pain located at the joints themselves that initially occurs sporadically, and as the joints degenerate further, the pain becomes more consistent and more difficult to live with. Eventually, the joint mechanics will deteriorate and then other joints in the finger can become affected.

The diagnosis of finger arthritis is made by reviewing your medical history, a physical examination, and X-rays. Additional tests, such as a CT scan, may be required to get high-level detail of the arthritis to determine the type of treatment that is necessary.

Wrist arthritis can be indicated by symptoms such as:

• Pain and stiffness in the wrist, especially during movements or activities
• Swelling in the wrist
• Decreased range of motion or flexibility in the wrist
• A crunching sensation or sound (crepitus) when moving the wrist
• Bony growths (osteophytes) on the wrist
• Weakness in the wrist or difficulty with grip strength.

Wrist arthritis is typically diagnosed through a combination of tests, including a complete medical history, physical examination, and imaging, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to help your physician visualize the bones and joints in your wrist and detect any signs of arthritis. 

Those with shoulder arthritis often experience aching or pain in the shoulder, especially with movement. They may also experience:

• Stiffness
• Decreased range of motion
• Less flexibility
• Difficulty lifting or reaching overhead
• Grinding or creaking sensation in the shoulder
• Swelling and inflammation

To confirm a diagnosis of shoulder arthritis, your doctor may perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. In some cases, other tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.

Patients with elbow arthritis often experience pain or aching in the elbow, especially with movement. They may also experience:

• Stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Less flexibility at the elbow
• Difficulty gripping or lifting objects
• Swelling and inflammation

To confirm a diagnosis of elbow arthritis, your doctor may perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. In some cases, other tests may be necessary to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.

The goal in treating your arthritis is to improve your pain while preserving and obtaining as much motion as possible. At The Center for Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery, we use an algorithmic approach to treat this common problem, allowing our patients to determine which course of action is best for them. Generally speaking, the treatment will be guided by a few main factors:1. How “bad” the arthritis is – how painful it is, how deformed the joint is, how many other joints are affected.
2. The “you” factors – your age, hobbies, functional demands, activities, your health, and what you do for work.

Your need for therapy will be specifically determined by your surgeon as well as your specific situation and treatment plan. Therapy is often a component of non-surgical as well as surgical treatment plans, but there are times when it is not necessary.