6 Signs It’s Time to Contact an Orthopedic Hand Doctor
Imagine being unable to operate a keyboard, use a pen, or grip an object without pain or discomfort. If you suffer from hand arthritis, this is your reality. According to the Arthritis Foundation, about 50% of women and 25% of men experience arthritis-related hand pain and stiffness by age 85.
Hand arthritis is a condition where the cartilage between the bones in the hand joints begins to wear down, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. This deterioration makes it challenging for the bones to move smoothly. People with hand arthritis may experience restricted movement and discomfort.
Orthopedic doctors for hand and wrist conditions can help manage arthritis symptoms and slow down the disease’s progression. Unlike general practitioners, doctors for hand arthritis have specialized knowledge and experience in treating this condition. But when is it time to contact a hand doctor?
Types Of Arthritis That Affect the Hands
Arthritis is a word that describes more than 100 kinds of conditions that cause joint inflammation, degeneration, tissue damage, deformity, and pain. Orthopedic hand doctors treat forms of arthritis like:
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of hand arthritis. It is a degenerative condition that occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of bones wears down, especially in the thumb and finger joints.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium – the lining of the joints – causing inflammation and joint damage. RA often affects joints in both hands.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Linked to psoriasis, this type of autoimmune arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints and scaly skin rashes, and changes the appearance of fingernails.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: Arthritis can sometimes develop after an injury to the hand, such as a fracture or ligament tear, leading to pain and degeneration in the affected joint.
Who Is Most At Risk?
Hand arthritis can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the risk:
- Age: Arthritis risk increases with age, particularly for osteoarthritis.
- Gender: Women are far more likely to develop arthritis in the hands.
- Genetics: A family history of arthritis increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
- Occupation or hobbies: Activities that require repetitive hand movements, such as typing, knitting, or heavy lifting, can contribute to arthritis over time.
- Previous Injuries: Prior injuries, such as fractures or sprains, may lead to post-traumatic arthritis in the hands.
6 Common Signs and Symptoms Of Hand Arthritis
Hand arthritis symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic pain in the joints of the fingers, thumb, or wrist.
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Swelling, tenderness, and warmth in affected joints.
- Reduced range of motion.
- Grating or grinding sensation when bones rub against each other.
- Bony nodules or lumps, particularly on the knuckles.
How Hand Doctors Treat Arthritis
Although arthritis is a chronic condition, doctors for hand and wrist conditions have numerous treatment options at their disposal. Mild arthritis cases respond to holistic and minimally invasive treatments while severe cases require more aggressive treatments.
Splinting and Braces
Splints and braces support affected joints by reducing stress and limiting movements that worsen pain. These devices help to stabilize the joint and reduce inflammation, making daily activities easier.
Medications
Medications are often prescribed to manage pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
- Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and preserve joint function.
- Medications like acetaminophen, an analgesic, can manage pain, but don’t reduce inflammation.
Steroid Injection Therapy
Orthopedic hand doctors use corticosteroid injections for relief of pain and inflammation in arthritis-affected joints. However, the relief is temporary, lasting several weeks to a few months.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle modifications are an effective and holistic way to manage hand arthritis symptoms and prevent further joint damage.
- Gentle hand exercises and stretches improve flexibility, strength, and circulation in the joints.
- Applying heat to the hands can relieve stiffness, while cold therapy can reduce swelling and numb pain.
- An anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins can help reduce arthritis symptoms.
- Reducing repetitive hand motions and using ergonomic tools can minimize stress on the joints.
Surgery
Surgery may be necessary for severe hand arthritis cases that do not respond to conservative treatments. Orthopedic hand doctors offer several surgical options depending on the specific joints affected.
- Joint fusion can reduce pain by stabilizing the joint, though it limits mobility in the fused joint.
- Replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one may be necessary for more advanced cases.
- Tendon transfer or release relieves tension on tendons, improves mobility, and reduces pain in certain cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
Address Hand Arthritis Early With Your Hand Doctor
When left untreated, hand arthritis can impact your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, and complete daily tasks. However, with the right treatment plan, it’s possible to manage symptoms, improve function, and maintain your quality of life.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key when managing a chronic condition. The moment you notice hand pain, stiffness, or mobility issues, take that as your cue to contact an orthopedic doctor for hand and wrist conditions.