Hand and Finger Arthritis

What it is

In osteoarthritis, the smooth cartilage covering the ends of the bones wears away, so the joint surfaces no longer glide smoothly. Arthritis can also follow an injury (post-traumatic arthritis) or be caused by infection, gout, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Where it happens

• The joint closest to the fingertip (DIP joint)
• The middle joint of the finger (PIP joint)
• The base of the thumb (see thumb basal joint arthritis)

Symptoms

• Pain, stiffness, and swelling
• Bony bumps at the end joint (Heberden's nodes) or middle joint (Bouchard's nodes)
• Weak grip and pinch, and crooked fingers over time

Diagnosis

An examination of how your hands look and work, and X-rays, which show narrowing of the joint space and bone spurs.

Treatment

Without surgery: resting the joint with a splint or soft sleeve, heat such as warm compresses or paraffin wax, hand therapy for joint protection and activity changes, anti-inflammatory medication, and steroid injections. These relieve pain but do not cure arthritis.

Surgery: considered when these measures no longer help, and usually when you feel ready. Options include fusion, which permanently stiffens a joint but stops the pain, and joint reconstruction or replacement. The right choice depends on the joint and your activities.