Finger Arthritis
Hand, Wrist & Finger Arthritis
Within our hand and wrist, numerous joints together provide a large motion range. Arthritis occurs when at least one of these joints becomes damaged. There are more than 100 types of arthritis; however, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common forms that affect the wrist and hand.
Arthritis can affect any finger or wrist joints and generally brings pain or reduced motion abilities (due to soreness and stiffness) to individuals with this condition. The hand may progressively become deformed, with its function negatively affected if arthritis is not treated.
Many everyday activities become challenging for individuals with arthritis. Arthritis results in decreased fine motor abilities, and as a result, activities such as turning keys, gripping items, and tying shoelaces can become difficult, reducing an individual's independence.
Causes of Arthritis
Arthritis is caused by many accumulated factors, and different forms have varying causes. However, most arthritis conditions are caused by trauma, joint 'wear and tear', or immune system issues. Whereas some individuals have genetic factors which put them at greater risk of developing arthritis, others develop this condition due to environmental conditions, including injury and joint overuse.
The most prominent arthritis type is osteoarthritis, which results from the progressive wearing of joint cartilage. Contrastingly, rheumatoid arthritis leads to the swelling of the synovium (joint lining), and is an immune disease. This form of arthritis brings joint stiffness and pain.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Hand or wrist arthritis is generally marked by the following symptoms:
- Joint stiffness and pain
- A burning feeling in joints
- Hand/wrist redness or swollenness after use
- Joint warmth
- Hand/wrist weakness and restricted movement abilities
- Inability to perform pinching or gripping movements
- Cracking, clicking or grinding sounds when engaging in joint movement
- For complex, prolonged arthritis cases, joint(s) may be noticeably larger
Arthritis at the finger's ends leads to nail plate ridges or dents due to mucous cysts in the affected joints.
Diagnosis of Arthritis
You may wish to have a consultation with Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell, an Orthopaedic surgeon based in Adelaide, if you have arthritic symptoms. Here, Dr Brumby-Rendell will discuss your medical history and symptoms and conduct a physical examination of your wrist and hand. Arthritis is generally diagnosed using X-rays, and a blood test may be implemented to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
Can you get arthritis in your hand at a young age?
Individuals of all ages can experience arthritis, but this condition is more prominent in individuals over 60. Studies indicate that by 75 years old, approximately 80% of people will have arthritis in their joints. Arthritis can be developed in both men and women; however, this disease is more prominent in women.
Treatments
Arthritis can be treated through various conservative and surgical options. The best course of action depends on your condition's progression, the number of joints affected, and your lifestyle preferences, age and activity level.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Medications
Anti-inflammatories (including Ibuprofen) are generally used to treat arthritis. These medications cease the body's production of chemicals that lead to pain and swelling of the joint.
Applying heat or ice
Pain and swelling can be reduced through ice application, and joints can be loosened through heat.
Resting the affected area
Inflammation can be eased by reducing or ceasing your involvement in pain-inducing activities. A splint can also be worn to allow the affected area to rest; however, it can deteriorate muscles if worn for a prolonged period.
Dietary supplements
Cartilage building is supported by the compound glucosamine, which often reduces arthritic symptoms. However, there is little evidence to indicate that this treatment actually helps.
Exercises
Therapeutic exercises often reduce arthritic symptoms and allow for proper joint healing. A hand therapist can provide these exercises.
Cortisone injections
Symptoms can be relieved by injections, which administer steroidal solution into the joints. This treatment option cannot be used long-term but may be repeated a limited number of times for symptom relief.
Surgery may be recommended by Dr Brumby-Rendell if conservative measures are ineffective or if an individual's arthritis strongly inhibits their everyday activities.
Surgical Treatments
Surgical intervention aims to increase joint function and decrease pain. Locally and internationally trained Dr Brumby-Rendell has a special interest in reconstruction and keyhole procedures. Dr Brumby-Rendell implements minimally invasive techniques to reduce trauma and quicken healing times. The following surgical procedures may be beneficial depending on your specific condition.
Reconstructive surgery
In this surgery, Dr Brumby-Rendell replaces the arthritic bone(s) with a part of a forearm tendon. This procedure aims to increase function and decrease pain, especially that of the thumb, and generally brings highly effective results. To see a tendon transplant, which relieves thumb arthritis, view this video.
Joint fusion
This surgical procedure, also known as arthrodesis, aims to increase joint stability and strength and decrease pain by fusing the joint. A side effect of this surgery is that the joint loses its ability to bend.
Joint replacement
Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with this surgery, which replaces affected joints with artificial joints. Over time, these new joints begin to wear.
Recovery
Recovery length depends on various aspects, including the severity and type of arthritis, and the specific surgery conducted. You will receive information regarding your recovery plan at your pre- and post-surgery appointments with Dr Brumby-Rendell.
How Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell can help
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell provides consultation and treatment in Adelaide for various hand and wrist conditions.
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell has extensive upper limb experience in areas of diagnosis, treatment and surgery. In your consultation, Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell will develop a treatment plan with you to ensure the best possible results for your hand or wrist condition.
Click for more information regarding shoulder, hand, wrist, and elbow conditions which Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell has experience in treating.
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