Osteoarthritis of the Hand Treatment in Louisiana
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and it often affects the hands. It develops over time, usually from the wear and tear of daily activities, and can make gripping, writing, and opening jars painful. LA Pain Doctor helps patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA reduce hand arthritis pain and keep their hands working.
Request an AppointmentHow Osteoarthritis Affects the Hands
Your hands contain many small joints cushioned by cartilage. With osteoarthritis, that cartilage gradually wears away, causing bones to rub together. The joints become inflamed and stiff, and bony bumps may form. The most commonly affected areas are the base of the thumb, the middle knuckles, and the joints closest to the fingertips.
Symptoms of Hand Osteoarthritis
- Aching or burning pain in the fingers or at the base of the thumb
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Swelling and tenderness around the knuckles
- Bony nodules on the finger joints
- Weak grip and trouble pinching, twisting, or holding objects
- Reduced range of motion in the fingers
Risk Factors
Hand osteoarthritis becomes more common with age and is more frequent in women, particularly after menopause. A family history of arthritis, previous hand injuries, and jobs or hobbies that involve repetitive gripping also increase your risk.
Treatment for Hand Arthritis
Treatment focuses on easing pain and preserving hand function. A targeted steroid injection, one of our joint injections, can reduce inflammation in a painful thumb or finger joint and often provides relief for weeks to months. Your provider may also recommend splints to support painful joints, hand exercises to maintain flexibility, heat therapy, and assistive tools that reduce strain during daily tasks. When appropriate, we provide careful pain medication management.
Hand pain can also come from nerve compression, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or from inflammatory arthritis. Learn more about living with osteoarthritis and related Joint Pain, and explore our shoulder and arm pain treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hand Osteoarthritis Treatment
What does hand osteoarthritis feel like?
It often causes aching pain, stiffness, and swelling in the finger joints or at the base of the thumb, with a weaker grip.
Which joints in the hand are most affected?
The base of the thumb, the middle knuckles, and the joints nearest the fingertips are most commonly affected.
Can injections help hand arthritis?
Yes. A steroid injection into a painful joint can reduce inflammation and relieve pain for weeks to months.
Do splints help hand arthritis?
Yes. Splints support painful joints and can reduce pain, especially at the base of the thumb.
Is hand arthritis the same as rheumatoid arthritis?
No. Osteoarthritis comes from wear and tear, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Both can affect the hands.
Can exercise help arthritic hands?
Gentle hand exercises can improve flexibility and strength. Your provider can recommend safe movements.
Where can I get hand arthritis treatment?
LA Pain Doctor treats hand osteoarthritis at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Keep Your Hands Moving
Relief from hand arthritis pain is available. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.