Arthritis of the hand
Causes
There are many possible causes of hand pain. In certain cases, the joints in the hand can be a source of pain.
Osteoarthritis
After basic imaging and lab tests, a patient may learn they have arthritis due to age and overuse, also known as osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis
In other cases, the body’s immune system can attack the tissues in the joint, which is called rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be managed both medically and surgically.
Medical
A hand surgeon can prescribe conservative treatments, such as splinting or steroid injections to reduce pain for a time.
Surgical
In more advanced or severe cases, a patient may need artificial joint replacement or even fusion of the joint to relieve the symptoms.