“What is the treatment for hand osteoarthritis?”

First of all, depending on your age, osteoarthritis of the hands is very common and often does not cause pain or problems with function. In my practice, the most common joints that I see involved are the DIP (the joint closest to the finger nail), however, the most common joint that people seek out help for pain is the base of their thumb. In the beginning, education, oral or topical medications, splinting both soft and rigid, and injections are common methods of treatments, Most people do not require surgery. For each of the joints in the hand and wrist, there are surgical options such as joint replacement or fusions. In the base of the thumb arthritis, we often perform a suspension plasty and less frequently a fusion.

It really depends on the symptoms. There is no cure for osteoarthritis. The best treatment option is to manage it over the course of time. This may be managed with medication, injections, topical medication, or sometimes even surgery. It really depends on the extent of the problem and where exactly it exists within your hand.

This really depends upon the degree of your osteoarthritis. Many cases can be treated with occupational therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Cortisone injections can be helpful as well. In patients with more advanced arthritis, if symptoms warrant, then surgery may be required.