Symptoms of Hand and Wrist Arthritis
If you have hand and wrist arthritis, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Malformation
- Joint pain
- Difficulty gripping objects
- Limited or reduced range of motion
Causes of Hand and Wrist Arthritis
The most common cause of hand and wrist arthritis is wear and tear (osteoarthritis). Arthritis can affect people of all ages but is often seen in those over the age of 40. Other causes of hand and wrist arthritis include:
- Traumatic injuries
- Joint fractures
- Joint dislocation
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
Treatments
Treatments for hand and wrist arthritis include both surgical and non-surgical solutions. Treatments may include:
- Splints
- Anti-inflammatory pain medication
- Hot and cold packs
- Occupational therapy
- Steroid injections
Surgery may be required for more severe cases of hand and wrist arthritis. Surgical treatment options include:
- Synovectomy: The surgical removal of the inflamed synovium (tissue lining the joint)
- Arthroplasty: Removing the affected joint and replacing it with an artificial implant
- Arthrodesis: The removal of the joints and fusing the bones of the joint together
