Arthritis is a condition that occurs due to inflammation in the joints of our hands, thumb, or wrists. Arthritis is a painful condition that causes pain and stiffness within the joints and worsens with age. Arthritis is diagnosed with a comprehensive exam including imaging such as X-rays and MRI’s.
Common Types and Locations:
- Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that affects joints and worsens with age.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis is also inflammatory arthritis that occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.
- Basal Joint (or 1st CMC) Arthritis is inflammation at the base of the thumb where the joint meets the wrist.
- Distal Inter-Phalangeal Joint (DIPJ) Arthritis occurs in the joints closest to the fingertips.
- Proximal Inter-Phalangeal Joint (PIPJ) Arthritis occurs in the middle joints of the fingers.
Symptoms:
- Joint Pain and Aches
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Deformities
- Decreased Range of Motion
Treatment Options:
- Medications to reduce pain and inflmmation
- Steroid Injections
- Therapy
- Braces or Splints to immobolize the affected joint
- Surgery (used if conservative treatments aren’t effective or if the severity of the arthritis is too great for conservative options).