Hand Arthritis: From Early Signs to Advanced Treatment
Hand arthritis typically begins with joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. You may notice swelling, warmth, and tenderness in affected joints. As the condition progresses, you might experience pain during hand movements, decreased range of motion, and the formation of bony nodules near finger joints.
Initial home remedies for hand arthritis include applying heat or cold therapy to affected joints, performing gentle hand exercises to maintain flexibility, and using over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs. Wearing compression gloves at night and using assistive devices for daily tasks can also provide relief.
If hand pain and stiffness persist for more than two weeks despite home remedies, or if you experience significant loss of hand function, it's time to consult an orthopedic surgeon. Severe symptoms, such as visible joint deformities or inability to perform basic tasks, warrant immediate medical attention.
Conservative treatments prescribed by an orthopedic surgeon typically include physical therapy to improve hand strength and flexibility, custom splints to support affected joints, and prescription medications such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroid injections may be used for temporary pain relief.
Conservative treatments are usually tried for several months to a year, depending on the type and severity of arthritis. Your orthopedic surgeon will monitor your progress and adjust treatments as needed. If symptoms don't improve or worsen despite conservative measures, surgical options may be considered.
Surgery may be indicated if conservative treatments fail to provide adequate pain relief or improve hand function. Severe joint deformity, constant pain that interferes with daily activities, or progressive loss of hand mobility are also indicators for surgical intervention. X-rays showing significant joint damage may support the decision for surgery.
Surgical options for hand arthritis include joint fusion (arthrodesis) for stability and pain relief, joint replacement (arthroplasty) to restore motion and reduce pain, and in some cases, joint resurfacing or interpositional arthroplasty. The choice of procedure depends on the specific joints affected and the patient's individual needs.
The prognosis for hand arthritis surgery is generally good, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved hand function. However, outcomes can vary depending on the type of arthritis, the specific procedure performed, and the patient's overall health and compliance with post-operative care.
The complication rate for hand arthritis surgery varies depending on the procedure but is generally low, typically less than 10%. Potential complications include infection, stiffness, implant loosening (for joint replacements), and in rare cases, nerve or tendon injury. These risks are carefully weighed against the potential benefits before proceeding with surgery.
Recovery time varies based on the specific procedure. For joint fusion, initial healing takes about 6-8 weeks, with full recovery in 3-4 months. Joint replacement patients may begin light activities within 2-3 weeks and resume most activities by 3 months, with continued improvement for up to a year.
A successful outcome is typically defined as significant reduction in pain, improved hand function and dexterity, and the ability to perform daily activities with greater ease. Most patients (70-80%) report satisfaction with the results of hand arthritis surgery, experiencing better quality of life and increased independence in daily tasks.