What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage and inflammation to the joints of the body. The hand and the wrist have multiple small joints, where arthritis can occur in multiple areas of the hand and wrist.

Causes:

• Risk of arthritis increases with age

• More commonly affects women than men 

• Loss of cartilage in the joints

Signs and Symptoms:

• Loss of ability

• Pain

• Swelling

• Stiffness

• Tenderness

• Redness

• Warmth

Nonsurgical Treatment:

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Injections

• Splinting

Surgical Treatment:

If you do not have relief from the nonsurgical treatments, your orthopaedic provider may discuss surgery. If it is possible for the joint to be reconstruction, this is usually chosen, but if not, a joint replacement may be an option.

Please note: this information is for informational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnosing an injury, and the information provided should not be used to replace medical treatment.