Managing hand and wrist arthritis
Our hands are involved in almost every single action we take during the day, from making a cup of tea to typing and doing up buttons. When arthritis affects the intricate joints of the hand and wrist, it can make these everyday moments painful and frustrating.
Arthritis is a general term for the inflammation, stiffness, and pain that occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning your joints wears away. Without this smooth barrier, bone rubs against bone, causing friction, swelling, and reduced mobility. While we often associate arthritis with larger joints like the hips or knees, the hands and wrists are equally vulnerable.
Recognising the symptoms of hand arthritis
Arthritis can affect the fingers, the wrist, and very commonly, the base of the thumb. Symptoms typically present as:
A deep, dull ache: Often felt worst first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Joint stiffness: Which might ease slightly as you move but can flare up later in the day after repetitive use.
Swelling and warmth: Affected joints can look puffy, red, or feel warm to the touch.
Loss of dexterity: Finding it increasingly difficult to turn door handles, write clearly, or open jars.
Deformity: In advanced stages, joints may appear enlarged or misaligned as the body tries to compensate for the bone friction.
What can be done to help Arthritis?
An accurate assessment begins at the Midland Hand Clinic with history and physical examination of your joint movement, grip strength, and localised tenderness, alongside X-rays.
The goal of treatment is always to reduce pain, protect your remaining joint function, and get you back to the activities you love. For mild to moderate arthritis, we focus on highly effective non surgical options:
Hand therapy and joint protection strategies: Learning how to use your hands in ways that minimise stress on the joints.
Splints and supports: To stabilise the joint during tasks that require a strong grip.
Injections: Designed to calm localised inflammation and provide substantial, temporary pain relief. There are a variety of injections that Midland Hand Clinic can discuss with you.
When conservative measures no longer provide adequate relief and your quality of life is heavily impacted, surgical options can be explored. Depending on your specific needs and which joints are affected, options include joint replacement, a trapeziectomy (commonly used for advanced thumb base arthritis), or fusion of joints.
How to book a consultation with Midland Hand Clinic
Mr Shyamalan, Consultant Hand, Wrist and Elbow Surgeon at Midland Hand Clinic, specialises in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hand and wrist conditions.
Book your consultation with Mr Shyamalan at Midland Hand Clinic today to discuss your concerns and explore potential solutions. Submit an enquiry through our website and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
