Arthritis of the Hand
What is arthritis of the hand?
The word “arthritis” is derived from the Greek arthro, meaning “joint,” and itis, a suffix that denotes inflammation, and the word’s roots paint an accurate picture of the condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control, arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States. The hand, with 19 small bones connected by joints, is a prime site for arthritis to occur and arthritis of the wrist, another area characterized by the coordinated movement of many small bones, is also relatively widespread.
These joints can function together smoothly because each of their bones ends in a capsule made of cartilage, a smooth, slippery substance that lubricates the joint. Arthritis occurs when the cartilage is lost or damaged and the bones no longer have the benefit of its protection. The body attempts to compensate by producing fluid in the lining of the joint, causing the joint capsule to swell. This results in painful, sometimes misshapen joints and interferes with normal motion and use of the hand.
What are some common causes of arthritis of the hand?
The condition has many causes, but osteoarthritis, the result of the wear and tear that inevitably accompanies aging, is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is similar to traumatic arthritis caused by an injury which damages cartilage and past trauma to the joint is, in fact, a risk factor for osteoarthritis notwithstanding appropriate post-traumatic care.
Arthritis of the hand can also be a product of a very different process, rheumatoid arthritis, a system-wide autoimmune condition that often affects the wrist and hand, producing many of the symptoms of osteoarthritis, including swelling, pain and stiffness.
Arthritis can also be associated with gout, lupus or infection, each of which presents different signs and symptoms that call for different therapeutic approaches.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available and the choice depends on the cause of the condition, the extent of any disability and the degree of pain experienced by the patient.
Steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication is often the treatment of first resort for controlling arthritis pain. This can occasionally be supplemented by the injection of Celestone, a corticosteroid, into the affected joint.
For autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, a wide variety of agents can be used in addition to anti-inflammatory medication. Those agents, including gold-based preparations, target relevant parts of the immune system.
Physical intervention can include specific exercises and the application of splints to the hand and wrist and, when joints are severely compromised, surgery is an option.
How are these procedures performed?
Hand surgeons have a wide range of options at their disposal. The choice depends on the condition of the joints and the patient’s specific needs.
Arthroplasty, the replacement of the affected joint with a prosthesis, has a long history and is constantly evolving as new materials and techniques, especially minimally invasive methods, are refined. Arthrodesis, a procedure more commonly known as bone or joint fusion, has been partially supplanted by joint replacement, but both options can be considered for patients with intractable pain or severe disability.
Less dramatic surgical alternatives are also available where appropriate. The surgeon can remove bone spurs and inflamed tissue and repair damaged ligaments, procedures aimed at improving hand function, reducing pain and extending the longevity of the joint.
What is the recovery time for these procedures?
Recovery from surgery often involves the use of a splint or cast and the involvement of a physical therapist to help the patient achieve the best results. While recovery times vary widely depending on the extent of the surgery and the specifics of the patient’s condition, most people can expect substantial recovery within three months.
Osteoarthritis of the Hand Animation Video
Disclaimer
HandSurgeonOrangeCounty.com does not offer medical advice. The information presented here is offered for informational purposes only. Read Disclaimer.
