Hand and Wrist Arthritis FAQs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Daily Living

Early signs include stiffness in the fingers or wrist, especially in the morning. You may notice aching or soreness at the base of the thumb, swelling in finger joints, or difficulty gripping objects. Some people develop small bony bumps on the finger joints called Heberden's or Bouchard's nodes.

Your doctor will examine your hands for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion. X-rays can show joint space narrowing, bone spurs, and cartilage loss. Blood tests may be ordered to rule out rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. In some cases, an MRI provides more detailed images of soft tissue damage.

Yes, but you may need to make adjustments. An ergonomic keyboard, a vertical mouse, and voice-to-text software can reduce strain. Taking frequent breaks and stretching your hands helps. Wrist splints worn while typing can provide support. Many people with hand arthritis continue working at computers with the right modifications.

Treatment depends on severity. Mild arthritis responds well to hand exercises, splinting, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Moderate cases may benefit from cortisone injections, prescription medications, and occupational therapy. Severe cases may require surgery. A hand specialist can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Yes, splints can significantly reduce pain and improve function. Thumb spica splints support the base of the thumb, which is the most commonly affected area. Resting splints worn at night reduce morning stiffness. Working splints provide support during daily activities. Your doctor or occupational therapist can recommend the right type.

Gentle range-of-motion exercises keep joints flexible. Finger bends, fist making, thumb touches, and wrist rotations are commonly recommended. Hand squeezing a soft ball strengthens grip. Stretching exercises reduce stiffness. An occupational therapist can teach you a personalized exercise program. Do exercises daily for the best results.

Surgery is considered when non-surgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief and pain significantly limits daily activities. Common procedures include joint fusion for stability, joint replacement for improved motion, and trapeziectomy for thumb arthritis. Surgery is typically a last resort after other treatments have been tried.

Thumb arthritis affects the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint at the base of the thumb. It is common because this joint is used constantly for gripping, pinching, and grasping. Women are affected more often than men, especially after age 50. Symptoms include pain when opening jars, turning keys, or gripping objects.

Use jar openers and lever-style door handles. Choose pens with thick, cushioned grips. Use electric can openers and adaptive kitchen tools. Carry bags with your forearm instead of gripping handles. Slide objects instead of lifting them. These simple changes reduce stress on painful joints throughout the day.

Osteoarthritis in the hands is generally progressive, meaning it tends to worsen gradually over years. However, the rate of progression varies widely. Active management with exercises, splinting, and medical treatment can slow the process and maintain function. Many people live well with hand arthritis for decades with proper care.