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Home > Specialties > Hand And Wrist > Arthritis Of The Hand

Arthritis of the Hand Treatment
in Central, Kentucky

Arthritis of the hand, including common types such as osteoarthritis (OA) and CMC (thumb) arthritis, can lead to persistent joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and a noticeable loss of grip or pinch strength. Over time, the smooth cartilage that cushions the joints gradually wears down, causing the bones to rub directly against each other. This bone-on-bone contact triggers inflammation, pain, and sometimes warmth or tenderness in the joint. As the condition progresses, patients may develop joint deformities, enlarged knuckles, reduced range of motion, and difficulty performing everyday tasks like gripping objects, opening jars, or typing.

BGO Arthritis of the hand Treatment
BGO Arthritis of the Hand & Wrist

What Causes Arthritis of the Hand
and Why Early Care Matters

Arthritis of the hand, including osteoarthritis (OA) and CMC (carpometacarpal) arthritis, develops when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time. This breakdown causes the bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased grip strength. Contributing factors can include aging, repetitive hand use, previous injuries, genetics, and underlying inflammatory conditions.

Early care is important because it can slow the progression of arthritis, reduce pain, and preserve hand function. Treatments such as activity modification, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted exercises can help maintain mobility and strength. Seeking care early may also prevent joint deformities and improve long-term outcomes, allowing you to maintain daily activities and quality of life.

    Symptoms You May Be Experiencing

    • Joint pain or aching in the fingers, thumb, or wrist
    • Stiffness in the hand, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
    • Swelling or tenderness around affected joints
    • Decreased grip strength or difficulty grasping objects
    • Reduced range of motion in the fingers or thumb
    • Joint deformity or enlarged knuckles over time
    • Clicking, grinding, or a feeling of joints rubbing together (crepitus)
BGO Arthritis Treatment
Bluegrass Orthopaedics

Why Choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics for Arthritis of the Hand

Bluegrass Orthopaedics offers specialized care for hand arthritis with fellowship-trained hand and wrist physicians who provide personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. They offer a full continuum of care—including advanced imaging, non-surgical treatments, surgery when necessary, and rehabilitation—under one roof for convenient, coordinated care. Their use of minimally invasive techniques and dedicated hand therapy helps reduce recovery time, preserve joint function, and improve long-term hand strength and mobility.

BGO Arthritis Hand Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Hand arthritis can often be managed without surgery through a combination of strategies. Modifying daily activities, wearing supportive splints or braces, and performing hand exercises can help reduce stress on joints and maintain strength and flexibility. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications or topical treatments can relieve pain, while hot or cold therapy soothes stiffness and swelling. In some cases, corticosteroid injections provide temporary relief. Lifestyle adjustments, like using ergonomic tools and maintaining a healthy weight, can also protect your hands and improve long-term function.

Surgical Treatment Options & Recovery

When non-surgical treatments are no longer effective, surgery may be considered to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent further joint damage. Common surgical procedures include:

  1. Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis) – The damaged joint is fused to eliminate movement, which reduces pain and stabilizes the joint, though some mobility is lost.
  2. Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty) – The damaged joint is replaced with an artificial implant to relieve pain while preserving motion. Common for finger or thumb joints.
  3. Joint Reconstruction – Surgeons may reshape, realign, or remove part of the joint to improve function and reduce discomfort.
  4. Tendon Transfers or Ligament Reconstruction – For advanced arthritis affecting stability or hand function, tendons or ligaments may be repaired or repositioned.
  5. Trapeziectomy – Specifically for thumb CMC (basal joint) arthritis, the trapezium bone at the base of the thumb is removed, often with ligament reconstruction to maintain thumb stability.

How We Decide What’s Right for You

At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, treatment is a collaborative process:

  • Evaluation: We’ll review your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle demands. We may perform a physical exam and nerve testing.
  • Discussion of Options: We’ll walk through non-surgical vs. surgical approaches, including which type of surgery may make sense for you, based on your goals, job, and recovery expectations.
  • Customized Plan: If surgery is recommended, we’ll help you choose the method that fits your needs — and explain clearly what to expect before, during, and after.
  • Support for Recovery: You’ll receive a post-treatment plan, including wound care, when it’s safe to use your hand, and therapy if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions - Arthritis of the Hand Treatment

What causes hand arthritis?

Age, genetics, prior injury, and joint wear.

Is arthritis curable?

No—but symptoms are manageable.

Do injections help?

Yes—steroid injections reduce pain and inflammation.

When is surgery considered?

If pain persists despite conservative care.

Ready to take the next steps towards lasting relief?

If you’re experiencing persistent tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hand — don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with our hand and wrist specialists to get a clear diagnosis and explore your treatment options. Whether you want to try conservative care first or you’re ready to talk about surgery, we’re here to help you find relief and restore your hand function.

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