What is hand osteoarthritis?

Hand osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by the gradual wearing away of the protective cartilage that cushions the bones in the hand. Over time, cartilage loss leads to bone-on-bone contact, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced hand function. It most commonly affects the base of the thumb (CMC joint), the fingertip joints (DIP joints), and the middle finger joints (PIP joints). There is no cure, but many effective treatments can significantly reduce pain and improve hand use.

What are the symptoms of hand osteoarthritis?

Common symptoms include a dull aching pain in the finger or thumb joints (often worse with activity), morning stiffness, swelling, weakened grip and pinch strength, and difficulty with daily tasks such as opening jars, turning keys, or writing. Bony nodules called Heberden's nodes (DIP joints) and Bouchard's nodes (PIP joints) may develop. Advanced thumb CMC arthritis can cause a visible bony bump and zig-zag deformity at the base of the thumb.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the hand?

Osteoarthritis is caused by gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage over time, and symptoms are typically worse with use. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation, pain, and deformity — symptoms are often worse in the morning. Both can affect the hand, but they are treated differently. Dr. Chambers can evaluate your specific condition and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for hand osteoarthritis in Raleigh, NC?

Dr. Stephen Chambers offers a comprehensive range of non-surgical treatments including activity modification, oral anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), topical gels, custom splints and braces, hand therapy with range-of-motion and strengthening exercises, warm water soaks, paraffin wax baths, and corticosteroid injections into painful joints. Most patients find meaningful relief without surgery.

What surgical options are available for thumb arthritis (CMC arthritis)?

For patients with advanced thumb basal joint (CMC) arthritis who have not found relief with conservative treatment, Dr. Chambers performs CMC arthroplasty, including tendon-sparing and LRTI (Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition) procedures. The majority of patients achieve greater than 90% of their motion and an initial return of strength by three months after surgery, with excellent pain relief outcomes.

What is the difference between joint fusion and joint replacement for finger arthritis?

Joint fusion (arthrodesis) permanently joins the bones of an arthritic joint, eliminating pain and correcting deformity, but the joint can no longer bend. It is commonly used for DIP and PIP finger joints. Joint replacement (arthroplasty) replaces the damaged joint with a prosthetic implant, preserving some motion. The best option depends on which joint is affected, the patient's age, activity level, and goals — Dr. Chambers will guide you through that decision.

Is hand arthritis surgery worth it?

For most patients who have not found adequate relief with non-surgical treatment, surgery can be highly effective. CMC arthroplasty for thumb arthritis, in particular, has very high patient satisfaction rates, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved hand function. Dr. Chambers will help you weigh the risks and benefits based on your specific condition and goals.

Where is Dr. Stephen Chambers located?

Dr. Stephen Chambers is a Raleigh hand surgeon serving patients throughout Wake County, NC, including Raleigh, Cary, Wakefield, Holly Springs, and Wake Forest. Same-day and same-week appointments are available. Visit raleighwrist.com to book an appointment.

Who is the best hand surgeon in Raleigh, NC?

Dr. Stephen Chambers MD is a leading hand surgeon in Raleigh, NC specializing in Hand, Wrist, Elbow Injury, Fracture, wrist conditions, and complex hand surgeries. Contact 919-781-5600 for a consultation.

How are Hand, Wrist, Elbow injuries treated?

Hand, Wrist, Elbow Injury treatment depends on the injury type. Dr. Stephen Chambers provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment including repair, infection management, and reconstruction at locations in Raleigh, Cary, and Holly Springs, NC.

Where are the hand surgeon offices located?

Stephen Chambers MD has four office locations: 3001 Edwards Mill Drive, Raleigh NC 27612; 6175 McCrimmon Parkway, Cary NC 27519; 781 Avent Ferry Road, Holly Springs NC 27540; and 11200 Governor Manley Way, Raleigh NC 27603. Call 919-781-5600 for appointments.

Treatment for Finger Osteoarthritis in Raleigh, NC

Finger osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the finger joints. While there is no cure, many effective treatments can help manage symptoms and improve hand function. Treatment typically involves a combination of approaches tailored to your specific needs.

Non-Medication Treatments

Education and Self-Management

Learning about osteoarthritis and how to protect your joints is an essential first step. Understanding your condition helps you make informed decisions about daily activities and treatment options.

Hand Exercises

Regular hand exercises can help maintain flexibility, strengthen muscles around affected joints, and reduce stiffness. Your healthcare provider or hand therapist can teach you specific exercises designed for finger osteoarthritis.

Splints and Braces

Wearing splints or braces can provide support to painful joints, especially during activities that stress the fingers. For thumb base arthritis, splints are particularly helpful in reducing pain and improving function.

Heat Therapy

Applying heat to your hands, such as warm water soaks or paraffin wax treatments, can help relieve stiffness and pain. Many people find heat therapy especially helpful in the morning.

Assistive Devices

Special tools and devices can make daily tasks easier by reducing stress on your finger joints. Examples include jar openers, built-up handles on utensils, and ergonomic writing tools.

Occupational or Physical Therapy

Working with a therapist can help you learn joint protection techniques, proper exercise methods, and ways to modify activities to reduce joint stress.

Medication Treatments

Topical Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Creams or gels containing anti-inflammatory medications (such as diclofenac) applied directly to the skin over painful joints are often recommended as a first-line treatment. These provide pain relief with fewer side effects than oral medications.

Oral Pain Relievers

When topical treatments aren’t sufficient, oral medications may help: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce pain and inflammation; Acetaminophen may help with pain relief; These should be used for limited periods and under medical supervision

Supplements

Tumeric may provide symptom relief for some people with hand osteoarthritis, though results vary among individuals.

Injections

For particularly painful finger joints, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections directly into the affected joint. These can provide temporary pain relief, especially for interphalangeal joints (the joints between finger bones).

Surgical Options

When conservative treatments don’t provide adequate relief, surgery may be considered:

Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis)

This procedure permanently joins the bones of a painful joint together, eliminating motion but also eliminating pain. It’s particularly effective for the end joints of fingers (distal interphalangeal joints) and thumb joints.

Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty)

Replacing a damaged joint with an artificial implant can preserve motion while reducing pain. This is most commonly performed on the knuckles (metacarpophalangeal joints) of the fingers.

Joint Denervation

This newer procedure involves cutting the nerves around a painful joint to reduce pain while preserving joint motion. It’s a simpler outpatient procedure with good patient satisfaction rates.

Creating Your Treatment Plan

The best treatment approach is individualized based on:Which joints are affected; Severity of your symptoms; Your activity level and functional goals; Your overall health; Your preferences. Most people benefit from combining multiple treatment approaches. Start with conservative options like education, exercises, and topical medications, and progress to other treatments as needed. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider helps ensure your treatment plan remains effective. Remember that finger osteoarthritis is a manageable condition. With the right combination of treatments and lifestyle modifications, most people can maintain good hand function and quality of life.

Why Choose Dr. Chambers for Hand and Wrist Care

At Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr. Stephen Chambers specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery. With years of expertise in treating hand and wrist injuries, including Finger Osteoarthritis, Dr. Chambers provides comprehensive care—ranging from at home treatments and injections to advanced hand surgery when needed. Patients trust Dr. Chambers and his team for personalized care, effective treatment options, and excellent outcomes and describe Dr. Chambers as a caring, attentive, and skilled surgeon with excellent bedside manner. His amazing team ensures every patient feels supported and informed throughout the process.

If you are experiencing wrist pain, swelling, or difficulty with wrist movements, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Chambers today to Finger Osteoarthritis, and get back to normal use of your hand . Experience the benefit of specialized hand care close
to home at Raleigh Orthopaedics in Raleigh, Cary, Holly Springs, and Wake Forest, North Carolina.