What is Arthritis?

Arthritis, also referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis (OA), is a wearing away of the cartilage which serves as the cushioning material between the bones. This degenerative condition causes painful bone-on-bone contact and can be the result of natural wear and tear; however, some people are more prone to cartilage degeneration that others. Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are the two most common types of arthritis occurring in the hands and fingers.
OA is the most common type and is a result of overuse, natural wear and tear, injury, or heredity. This type of arthritis is often associated with the development of bone spurs around the knuckles which can cause extreme pain and disruption of normal hand and finger function. RA is a chronic autoimmune disease in which your body mistakenly attacks your joints leading to inflammation of the lining of the joints. These attacks come in the form of flares and can cause permanent damage to the joints and internal organs.

Symptoms of Arthritis

The symptoms of Arthritis include the following:

  • Pain and aching of the finger and hand joints
  • Swelling of the finger and hand joints
  • Stiffness or decreased range of motion of the finger and hand joints
  • Visible redness around the finger and hand joints
  • Visible deformity of the finger and hand joints, such as enlarged knuckles or bent/crooked fingers

    Dr. Loredo’s Approach to Treating Arthritis

    Non-Surgical Treatment Options

    Depending on the severity of the condition, Dr. Loredo may attempt to treat non-surgically before recommending surgery. Non-surgical treatments include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) taken orally to relieve inflammation and pain
  • Resting and icing the affected area
  • The use of splints to support the affected joints
  • Steroid injections to reduce swelling and pain

  • Surgical Treatment Options

    If the arthritis is not responding to non-surgical treatment and the condition is not extremely advanced, arthroscopy may be an option. Arthroscopy is an option for arthritis in the fingers, knuckles or wrists and allows the surgeon to see inside the joint and make repairs using a fiber optic instrument and without having to make a large incision.

    If the arthritis in the fingers, knuckles or wrists is more advanced and arthroscopy is not an option, Dr. Loredo will recommend joint replacement or joint fusion for the affected joints.

    If the thumb is affected, Dr. Loredo will recommend another treatment. Please visit our Thumb Basilar Joint Arthritis page for more information.

    What Can I Expect After Surgery?

    Recovery time will vary depending upon the severity of the condition and the method of treatment used. In general, patients recovering from Arthritis surgery should plan to wear a splint on the affected joint for approximately six weeks.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What causes Arthritis?

    Osteroarthritis (OA) results from overuse, natural wear and tear, injury, or heredity, while Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which your body mistakenly attacks your joints.

    Are certain people at higher risk for Arthritis?

    Yes, risk of developing OA increases with age as a result of natural wear and tear. Other risk factors for OA include obesity, overuse of the joints, injury to the joint(s), and heredity. RA is three times more common in women than men and begins to affect women earlier on, between the ages of 30 and 60. Men are affected later in life.

    Is there anything I can do to prevent the condition from worsening?

    There are some things you can do at home which may help lessen the severity of symptoms and improve joint mobility, including:

  • Taking glucosamine, chondroitin or other natural anti-inflammatory supplements
  • Staying physically active and regularly exercising your joints through their full range of motion
  • Maintaining a healthy diet and weight
  • Avoiding activities which require strong gripping or clenching (such as opening jars or using certain tools)
  • Applying heat or cold to relieve swelling of the jointsContact the Loredo Hand Care Institute

  • If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with Arthritis or would like to learn more about our practice in the Dallas area, please contact us today.