What is Osteoarthritis?
Arthritis, otherwise known as “inflamed joint” can affect any joint in the body, including the 29 bones of the wrist, hands, and fingers. Arthritis of the hand can cause pain and may affect your ability to do things you normally want or need to do.
The most common forms of arthritis in the hand are osteoarthritis; arthritis caused after an injury also known as post-traumatic arthritis; and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the smooth cartilage that covers the bone surfaces at the joints either is injured or wears over time.
The joints most affected by osteoarthritis are the DIP joint, the PIP joint, the basilar joint, and the wrist joint. (Figure 1)
Osteoarthritis sometimes causes Bouchard’s nodes, which are bumps at the middle joint, or Heberden’s nodes, which are bumps at the end of the finger. (Figure2)
Most Common Areas
The three most common sites where arthritis happens in the hand are at the base of the thumb (basilar joint); at the joint closest to the fingertip (DIP joint); and at the middle joint of the finger (PIP joint)
What is the Treatment for Osteoarthritis?
The primary focus of treatment is relieving pain and restoring function. Brief rest of affected areas can help, as well as wearing a splint.
Hand therapists are key in teaching joint protection exercises and activity modification to help protect joints.
Anti-inflammatory medication or a steroid injection into the joint can decrease pain but does not cure osteoarthritis.
The primary focus of treatment is relieving pain and restoring function. Brief rest of affected areas can help, as well as wearing a splint. Hand therapists at UofL Health – Frazier Rehab Institute – Hand Therapy are key in teaching joint protection exercises and activity modification to help protect joints. Anti-inflammatory medication or a steroid injection into the joint can decrease pain but does not cure osteoarthritis. Surgery is considered when non-surgical options do not help. Joint fusion and joint reconstruction are two surgery options. Based on your situation, UofL Health – Kleinert Kutz Surgery Center will discuss options with you and help you decide which type of surgery is best for you.
For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact us at 502-561-4263 or 1-800-477-4263. To request an appointment online, use our Appointment Request Form.
