Stiff or aching hands can make everyday tasks—like buttoning a shirt or holding a cup of coffee—feel impossible. While early arthritis can often be managed without surgery, some cases progress beyond the reach of conservative care. Let’s explore when hand arthritis may require surgical treatment and what options are available for lasting relief.
Recognizing Advanced Hand Arthritis
Hand arthritis is most often caused by wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or autoimmune conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis) that break down cartilage in the joints. As the cartilage wears away, bones begin to rub against each other, leading to joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and deformity. When conservative measures no longer control symptoms, it may be time to consider the next step.
When Non-Surgical Treatments Fall Short
Non-surgical approaches such as activity modification, splints, physical therapy, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and topical medications can be effective in managing mild to moderate arthritis. However, you may need to explore surgical options if you experience:
- Persistent pain that interferes with daily tasks
- Limited range of motion or grip strength
- Progressive joint deformity
- Ineffectiveness or diminishing results from medications and therapy
Continuing with ineffective conservative care may only delay your recovery and allow joint damage to worsen.
Surgical Options for Severe Hand Arthritis
When surgery becomes necessary, your orthopedic surgeon will tailor the approach based on the affected joints, your activity level, and long-term goals. Common surgical treatments include:
- Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis): This procedure permanently joins bones in the joint to eliminate motion and pain. It’s often used for smaller finger joints or the wrist.
- Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Damaged joint surfaces are replaced with prosthetic implants to preserve motion while relieving pain. It’s more commonly performed on the knuckles (MCP joints) and base of the thumb.
- Synovectomy or Debridement: Removal of inflamed tissue or bone spurs may provide relief in earlier stages of joint damage.
Most hand surgeries are outpatient procedures and can significantly improve function and comfort when done at the right time.
Dr. Shrouder-Henry can assess your condition and recommend a customized treatment plan that fits your needs. Book an appointment today to find out whether surgical treatment is right for you.
AUTHOR: Dr. Jason Shrouder-Henry is a Board Certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder throughout Chicagoland.