Arthritis Specialist

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a common condition that leads to joint swelling, stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.

Joints are areas where two bones come together. Cartilage covers the ends of bones to create a smooth surface for joint movement. A synovial membrane also lines your joints to provide lubrication and reduce friction.

Arthritis can affect your synovial membrane or your joint cartilage, depending on the type.

What causes arthritis in your hands?

There are more than 100 kinds of arthritis affecting the musculoskeletal system. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis usually cause arthritis in your hands.  

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious and debilitating autoimmune disease, and when it strikes, it’s usually in the hands and feet. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, your body attacks the synovial membrane that lubricates your joints.

This condition can impact anyone at any age but is most common in women and people over age 30.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and affects approximately 21 million Americans. This type of arthritis occurs when your cartilage gradually wears away. In some cases, abnormal bone growths known as bone spurs can grow in your joint, increasing your discomfort.

This type of arthritis typically develops as you age or as a result of overuse or injury.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis causes inflammation, which then leads to symptoms like swelling, pain, and stiffness in your joints. This inflammation can lead to mobility problems and difficulty performing daily activities like gripping items with your hands or straightening your fingers.

Additional symptoms of arthritis in your hands include:

• Bony lumps in your finger joints
• Pain under the base of your thumb
• Discomfort in your knuckles or wrist
• Deformities in your fingers or wrist

Arthritis pain is often present even when you’re resting.

How is arthritis treated?

The first course of arthritis treatment usually includes over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and joint injections like cortisone that reduce inflammation. If your arthritis pain doesn’t respond to conservative therapies, Dr. Kwon might recommend surgical treatments to provide relief.

Dr. Kwon offers several surgical options for arthritis in your hands. They might include:

• Synovectomy to remove damaged joint synovial membranes
• Osteotomy to realign joint bones
• Fusing joints to prevent movement and relieve pain
• Replacing damaged joints with artificial joints

To learn more about arthritis treatments, call Southwest Hand and Microsurgery or schedule an appointment online today.