Arthritis of the Hand

Arthritis is not a single disease; it is a condition of the hand, or an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. It occurs when the smooth, slippery cartilage that cushions the the joints in your fingers and thumb of your bones wears away over time. This leads to bone-on-bone rubbing, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, inflammation, reduction or loss of function and motion. Making everyday activities such as gripping, writing, or opening various items difficult and painful.

How did this happen? Possible Causes

Hand arthritis can develop from a variety of factors; the three most common are:

  • Osteoarthritis (Normal Wear and Tear over time): The most common form, often appearing with age or overuse.
  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Develops after an injury, such as fractures, dislocations, ligament damage, or even a severe sprain.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune): The immune system attacks the joint lining, causing an inflammatory condition.


Disclaimer: Other factors but not near as common include:

  • Repetitive hand use (work or hobbies)
  • Genetics or family history
  • Age-related cartilage breakdown
hand in pain

Are simple tasks becoming increasingly difficult to do without pain or assistance? Our specialists can help restore comfort, strength, and function through a personalized treatment plan. 

Call (817) 926-(BONE) 2663 to book your appointment now.

Do I need help? Possible Signs

  • Dull or Grinding Pain: Especially at the base of the thumb or the knuckles. Clicking and Catching sensations can sometimes accompany a dull or grinding pain or sensation. 
  • Morning Stiffness: Joints feel “locked” or heavy upon waking.
  • Swelling (Heberden’s Nodes): Small, bony bumps appearing on the finger joints; sometimes tenderness around joints can be present.   
  • Weak/Decreased Grip Strength: Difficulty opening, turning, or holding different objects or performing fine motor skills.
  • Persistent joint pain in fingers or thumb, and some experience visible joint deformity or enlarged knuckles.

How can we help? Possible Treatments

At Lone Star Orthopaedic, our treatments focus on relieving pain, regaining strength and mobility, and restoring you to an active lifestyle.

Non-Surgical
  • Activity modification Typically, this includes learning new ways to grip tools to reduce joint stress or strain.
  • Splinting or bracing supports the joint to reduce or allow inflammation to subside.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications-NSAIDs or Topical treatments for localized symptoms
  • Hand therapy: Specialized exercises to improve the strength and flexibility of the supporting hand muscles.
  • Corticosteroid or gel injections for pain relief and to reduce swelling.
Surgical
  • Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis): Removing the damaged cartilage and joining the bones; great for stability and pain relief.
  • Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Replacing the joint with an artificial implant to preserve motion.
  • Trapeziectomy: A common procedure for thumb arthritis where a small bone is removed to eliminate the bone-on-bone contact.
  • Tendon reconstruction if function is affected
  • Removal of bone spurs or damaged tissue


DISCLAIMER: *Whenever appropriate, Lone Star Orthopaedic and Spine will always explore conservative, non-surgical treatments as first options to relieve pain and improve function before considering surgical intervention.

Life after treatment

Most patients experience meaningful improvement in function and quality of life no matter if they choose non-surgical or surgical. Arthritis itself cannot always be reversed, but symptoms can be effectively managed long-term. Many patients enjoy lasting relief and improved functionality.

Book Your Appointment Today

You’ve been living with hand pain long enough. Now is the time for real answers and real relief. Call (817) 926-PAIN (2663) and open the door to healing and independence.