Arthritis of the fingers
Joints are lined with cartilage and lubricated with synovial fluid. Injury or wear and tear of this cartilage leads to arthritis.
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What causes arthritis of the fingers?
Arthritis can result from an old fracture affecting the joint and damaging the cartilage. Most often, the cause is simple degeneration, often age related or hereditary.
What are the symptoms?
Swelling of the joint, cyst formation, pain, subluxation, instability of the joint and weakness.
How to diagnose it?
Clinical examination will demonstrate:
- Tenderness
- Oedema
- Presence of cysts
- Deformity and stiffness
- Weakness
- Compression of the joint reproduces pain
X-rays will demonstrate loss of joint space, joint dislocation and severity of the arthritis.
Functional treatment
Local and systemic anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections and splinting are the first line of treatment.
Surgery
Several surgical procedures can be performed to improve symptoms and function of the hand. Procedures range from minimally invasive arthroscopic decompression of the joint, to joint replacement with an implant or joint fusion and stabilization.
Relieve your pain quickly
Relieve your pain quickly
Download our free guide on osteoarthritis of the hand and rhizarthrosis
Treat yourself to osteoarthritis of the hand and rhizarthrosis: Your practical guide to understanding and relieving your symptoms and preventing deformities
Dr. Jean-Paul Brutus, Nathalie Brisebois (occupational therapist) and Noémie Vézina answer the most common questions about osteoarthritis of the hand and offer advice to relieve pain and prevent malformations.
Treat yourself to osteoarthritis of the hand and rhizarthrosis: Your practical guide to understanding and relieving your symptoms and preventing deformities
Dr. Jean-Paul Brutus, Nathalie Brisebois (occupational therapist) and Noémie Vézina answer the most common questions about osteoarthritis of the hand and offer advice to relieve pain and prevent malformations.