Hand Osteoarthritis

Expert Hand Surgeons in Orange County, CA

Osteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” form of arthritis when the protective cartilage cushioning the joints breaks down and wears away. Over time, this causes the bones to rub against each other which can trigger pain, swelling and inflammation of the joint. Osteoarthritis of the hands typically affects the base of the thumb where it meets your wrist, the joints closest to the fingertips, and the middle joint of the fingers. It’s more common in women than men, and about half of women and one-quarter of all men will experience the pain and stiffness of hand osteoarthritis by age 85. Although the condition isn’t curable, there are plenty of ways to protect your joints and stop the progression of osteoarthritis. For that reason, it’s important to see a hand surgeon in order to be properly diagnosed and seek proper treatment as soon as possible.

Hand Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis of the hand becomes increasingly painful until daily activities become difficult from stiffness and inflammation in the hands. Along with cartilage loss, hand osteoarthritis causes bone spurs to form which can increase joint pain.

The hallmark symptoms of hand osteoarthritis include:

• Pain: Initially, pain caused by osteoarthritis of the hand will be intermittent. It worsens with use and eases with rest. It is typical for pain to be worse in the morning due to more stiffness through the night. As osteoarthritis advances, the pain becomes constant and may worsen from a dull ache to a sharp pain. Some have difficulty sleeping due to the pain.
• Joint deformity: Fingers can swell and the joint becomes large and misshapen from bone changes, cartilage breakdown, and unstable or loose ligaments. Bony lumps can begin to form at the middle joint of the finger or at the joints nearest the fingertips.
• Clicking and cracking (crepitus): You may feel grinding or hear clicking and cracking sensations, due to the damaged joint surfaces rubbing together. This is also referred to as crepitus.
• Swelling and redness: Inflammation around the joint is a natural response to the constant irritation and damage to the tissues surrounding the joint. You body may respond to this constant irritation and tissue damage to the tissues surrounding the joint by becoming swollen, red and tender to the touch.
• Stiffness and weakness: A gradual loss of motion occurs with untreated osteoarthritis, until activities such as lifting heavy objects, starting your car, opening jars, or buttoning a shirt become difficult because the fingers can no longer open and close completely. The combination of loss of motion and joint deformity can leave your hands weak.