How Effective is Treatment For Hand Arthrtitis

The hands are essential for most daily activities like hygiene, housework, or typing. As a result, having hand arthritis can significantly impede one’s ability to function and enjoy a certain quality of life. A number of treatments for hand arthritis are available, and most cases can be treated effectively without resorting to surgery.   

Types of Hand Arthritis 

Arthritis is a broad term that refers simply to inflammation of a joint. There are many types of arthritis. The most common form is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that is common with age. Other types include post-traumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The various types of arthritis each require a specific approach, although there is a good deal of overlap in the treatments.

Medication

Medication can be used to reduce inflammation of the joints. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Aleve and Advil are often used. In addition, rheumatoid arthritis patients may take medications specific to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Exercises and Physical Therapy

Regardless of what other treatments are used, hand exercises and physical or occupational therapy are essential. Practicing exercises that strengthen the hand and take the joints through their full range of motion can help to retain functionality and flexibility, while reducing pain and stiffness. After the initial course of physical therapy is complete, patients should continue to exercise the hand at home.

Injections

Injections are a minimally invasive procedure that may be used to relieve inflammation. The most common type of injection is a steroid injection. Steroids have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, and injections can target one specific area with a high dose of steroids.

Splinting 

Splinting the hand and/or wrist can relieve the hand from frequent movement that is causing inflammation, allowing inflammation to die down. Splinting is a temporary measure designed to relieve inflammation. Patients may be instructed to splint when a flare-up occurs.  

Surgery

In cases where non-surgical methods are unlikely to help, surgery may be considered. Joint replacement and joint fusion are among the most common surgical treatments. If the joint has deteriorated so that pain is inevitable with movement, plates and screws may be used to fuse a joint together so that the two bones move as one. This prevents pain, but limits movement. Joint fusion is the most common type of surgery for arthritis of the hand.

Joint replacement can be used for most of the hand joints. During this procedure, damaged cartilage and/or bone are removed and replaced with a prosthetic. The goal is to improve function and longevity of the joint.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your hand pain. To schedule a consultation today, please give us a call at (714) 979-8981 or click below and enter your information.