According to the experts at Medline, arthritis affects nearly one out of every six Americans. There are many different kinds of arthritis, with the two most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Trauma to a joint in the hand can increase the risk of developing arthritis, which can lead to lifelong pain and stiffness.
Cartilage and Hands
There are many joints between bones, both in the hands and the wrists. These joints allow for the fine movements that we use for many everyday activities. The joints in the hands are lined with a substance called cartilage, which acts to protect the bones and make movement easier. Arthritis is the result of cartilage wearing away in the joints of the hands.
Cause of Arthritis Hand Pain
When the cartilage in the hands gets worn away, the body attempts to compensate by making extra fluid (called synovial fluid) to help cushion and lubricate the joints. However, this increased fluid production can also cause the joint to become swollen. This causes the joint's covering (also known as the capsule) to become stretched, which leads to pain.
Hand Pain
The hand pain caused by arthritis is often described as a dull or burning pain in the joints. Many people that suffer from hand arthritis find that the pain gets worse when the hands are being used for an extended period of time and that it gets better with rest (though some patients experience the exact opposite). As arthritis hand pain gets worse, it can interfere with the patient's daily activities and make it hard for the patient to sleep at night.
Non-surgical Treatments
Physicians usually try to treat arthritis of the hand without using surgery. The first line of treatment is anti-inflammatory drugs which not only reduce inflammation, but can also relieve the pain in the hands. Common over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, are often recommended. If the patient is not responding well to these medications, doctors may inject cortisone into the affected joint. Cortisone is a potent anti-inflammatory medication that greatly reduces the swelling in the joint. Cortisone injections are often accompanied by splinting of the affected joint, which helps give it extra support and reduces the strain on the joint.
Surgical Treatment for Arthritic Hand Pain
If the above treatments fail, surgery can be used to treat hand pain caused by arthritis. In some cases surgeons will attempt to replace the affected joint with an artificial one (often made out of metal, plastic or ceramics). The goal of this surgery is to restore the joint and to relieve pain. Another option is joint fusion, in which the two bones in the affected joint are fused together. Although this eliminates the pain, it also can reduce flexibility because the joint is no longer there.
