by: Dr. Chris Judson
Our hands and wrists have multiple small joints that function together and allow us to perform numerous activities with our hands, from heavy gripping to fine motions. Normally, these joints move easily due to cartilage that covers the ends of the bones, allowing them to glide smoothly over one another.
Types of Arthritis
Arthritis results when this cartilage surface is disturbed. There are a number of different types of arthritis, the most common of which are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
There are a number of additional symptoms of arthritis. Swelling may occur in the affected joints, and some patients can develop cysts next to the joint. In the hand, these are often seen at the DIP joints next to the fingernails and are called mucous cysts.
During a physician’s evaluation for suspicion of arthritis, the patient’s hands are checked for signs of arthritis, range of motion of the joints, and changes in surrounding joints. As there are a number of joints that are very close to one another in the hand, special exam maneuvers may be used to determine which specific joint is contributing most to the pain. An x-ray is often taken to better determine the extent and location of arthritis.
Treatment Options
Many treatments are possible for arthritis in the hands. Each patient’s situation needs to be approached differently depending on their age and demands on their hands, the location and severity of arthritis, and their own goals.
Surgical Options
Surgical treatments can be an option for decreasing pain and improving function when non-operative measures have failed to provide relief. In some joints with milder arthritis, there may be an option to preserve the joint. In cases of more severe arthritis, joint replacement or fusion are usually chosen. A fusion procedure means that the joint will no longer move, therefore eliminating the pain that occurs with motion at the damaged joint. This is most appropriate for joints that already have limited range of motion or for people who do a lot of heavy activities with the hands.
Alternatively, joint replacements can be performed for many of the joints in the hands to relieve pain but also to allow for range of motion. These include metal and plastic joint replacements, as well as using nearby tissues, such as tendons, to reconstruct the joint. The ideal type of surgical treatment varies for each patient and the specific pattern of arthritis, and these can be discussed with your orthopedic specialist.