Orthopedic Hand Arthritis Doctor in Illinois
Are you struggling with Hand Pain?
Arthritis is a condition that targets the tissues in your joints, causing damage to joint walls or the smooth cartilage covering the ends of bones. Over time, this cartilage wears away, leading to bones rubbing against each other, resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, and changes in shape. Given the multitude of joints in the hand, arthritis frequently impacts this area, making everyday tasks challenging as the condition progresses.
How Do I Know If I Have Arthritis in My Hands?
- Dull or sharp joint pain occurring hours or a day after hand use
- Morning stiffness and pain in the hands
- Swollen joints in the hands
- The joints feel hot or warm to the touch
As the arthritis progresses, new symptoms may emerge or become more prominent, such as:
- Pain intensity may increase
- Nighttime pain disturbances
- Altered hand usage due to pain
- Redness and tenderness near affected joints
- Grating, grinding, cracking, or clicking sensations when bending fingers
- Difficulty fully opening and closing fingers
- Formation of bone bumps on finger joints
- Enlarged, misshapen, and bent finger joints, resulting in weakened hands and reduced functionality
What Causes Arthritis In the Hand?
Osteoarthritis: Breaks down and wears away bone cartilage, frequently affecting the wrist, thumb base, and middle and upper finger joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease causing swelling, discomfort, stiffness, and loss of function in joints. It commonly affects wrists, hands, and fingers symmetrically.
Psoriatic arthritis: Affects both skin and joints, causing finger swelling, joint pain, and morning stiffness. It resembles rheumatoid arthritis but may involve only a few fingers.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: A previous injury, such as a fracture or dislocation of the hand, can increase the risk of developing arthritis in the affected joint over time.
Gender and Hormonal Factors: Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are more common in women. Hormonal changes may also play a role in developing certain types of arthritis.
Genetic Factors: A family history of arthritis may increase the likelihood of developing arthritis. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to certain types of arthritis.
What’s the Treatment for Hand Arthritis?
Treatment considerations depend on various factors, including:
- Type and stage of arthritis
- Number of affected joints
- Age
- Activity level
- Affected hand
- Other existing health conditions
Treatment options include:
- Splinting and braces
- Medications
- Steroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Hot and cold packs
- Rest
- Weight management
- Healthy diet
If non-surgical interventions prove ineffective and cartilage wear is extensive, hand surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include:
- Joint fusion
- Joint replacement
- Tendon transfer
At Suburban Orthopaedics, our hand specialists and therapists offer tailored treatments to alleviate pain and manage arthritis symptoms. Schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations in Elgin, Schaumburg, Bartlett, or Downtown Chicago.
Request an Appointment