Advancements in Hand and Wrist Arthritis Treatment: Modern Therapy Options

Arthritis in the hand and wrist is a common issue that many people face. It can be mild or very painful, depending on the severity. Arthritis happens when the cartilage—the smooth layer between the bones—wears away. This causes the bones to rub against each other, leading to pain.

There are over 15 small joints in the hand and wrist, and any of them can be affected. There are different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by aging and regular use of the joints over time. Another type, rheumatoid arthritis, is an autoimmune disease that can affect many joints, especially in the hands and wrists.

No matter the type, arthritis can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and trouble doing everyday tasks. Common causes include aging, family history, injuries, and using the joints too much.

Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Early signs of arthritis include swelling in one or more joints, joint pain, and reduced movement in the affected area. While these symptoms can happen for other reasons too, it is important to consult a doctor if you notice them.

Arthritis can’t be cured, but diagnosing it early and starting treatment can help ease the pain and keep your fingers and wrist moving well. Arthritis symptoms can come and go, sometimes feeling worse and sometimes better. Treating it early can help you feel better in the long run and avoid more serious problems later.

Non-Surgical Advancements & Treatment

The first step in treating arthritis is commonly non-surgical. Doctors often recommend medicines like Paracetamol (for pain relief) or NSAIDs such as Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen. These help reduce both pain and swelling, as long as the patient doesn’t have any allergies or other health issues that would prevent their use. For people with rheumatoid arthritis, there are special medications called disease-modifying anti-rheumatoid drugs (DMARDS). These are usually given by a primary care doctor or a specialist called a rheumatologist, and they have greatly improved the condition for many patients.

Another common treatment is joint injections, especially for hand and wrist arthritis. These usually involve corticosteroids, which can offer strong relief from arthritis pain. There are different types of corticosteroids, and most are effective. There’s another type of injection called hyaluronic acid, but these are only approved for joints in the legs—not for the hand or wrist.

Occupational therapy, also known as hand therapy, can help keep your joints flexible. Stiff joints are common in arthritis and can make simple actions like grabbing or holding things difficult. A hand therapist can show you easy exercises—just 10 to 15 minutes a day—that help keep your fingers and wrists moving well.

In recent years, treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and stem cell therapy have been explored for various conditions. While these show promise, there isn’t enough strong evidence yet to recommend them for hand and wrist arthritis. Research is ongoing, and they may play a bigger role in the future.

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Surgical Options and New Treatments

If non-surgical treatments don’t help with hand or wrist arthritis, surgery might be the next step. There are several types of surgeries, including minimally invasive ones that need only small cuts and help you recover faster.

One option is called denervation, which involves cutting off the nerve signals from the painful joint so the brain doesn’t feel the pain. This can often be done through small incisions. Another option is arthroscopy, where doctors use a tiny camera to look inside the joint. With this method, they can fix small tears, clean out damaged tissue, or remove inflamed areas.

There are also more traditional surgeries like joint fusion or joint replacement (arthroplasty). In joint fusion, the bones that make up the joint are joined together to form one solid bone. This gets rid of the pain but also means the joint can no longer move. However, many patients find this trade-off worth it because the pain relief is strong, and the joint may also look better if it was deformed.

Another option is joint replacement, where the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one. There are different types of replacements depending on whether it’s your finger or wrist. In some cases, doctors may only replace part of the joint instead of the whole thing. It’s important to talk with your surgeon to decide which procedure is best for you based on your symptoms and which joint is affected.

Choosing the Right Treatment

Arthritis treatment is different for each person because no two patients—or joints—are exactly alike. That’s why it’s important to talk to a hand and wrist specialist to find the treatment that fits your needs and lifestyle. Things like your age and overall health also help decide which option is best for you.

Remember, arthritis isn’t life-threatening. But if you ignore the signs and symptoms, it can get worse over time and make it harder to use your hand or wrist properly.

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Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

After choosing a treatment, it's very important to follow your surgeon’s instructions. Doing hand therapy, physical therapy, or simple home exercises will help you heal better and get the best results from your treatment.

Conclusion

Arthritis in the hand and wrist often causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. Thankfully, many effective treatments have been developed in recent years. While there’s no cure yet, arthritis can still be managed successfully. If you notice any symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a hand and wrist specialist—like the team at Dr. (Prof.) Arora's Knee & Hip Surgery Clinics — to explore your treatment options.

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