Hand Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can affect any synovial joint. Most commonly affected in the hand are the DIP joints, followed by the thumb CMC joint and the PIP joints. The wrist joint can be affected as well, usually as a consequence of prior trauma (fracture or ligament rupture). Hand surgeons have a range of treatments available to help. Treatment is generally symptomatic initially (heat, gentle range of motion, NSAID’s, splints, activity modification.) Steroid injections can provide transient relief. If conservative measures fail, surgery can be helpful to relieve the pain and improve function and usually consists of arthroplasty or arthrodesis.