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Hand and Wrist Arthritis
Arthritis of the hand and wrist can affect any joint, from the base of the thumb to the finger joints and the wrist itself. It can develop after an injury, as part of an inflammatory condition, or from wear and tear over time. This page gives an overview of the arthritis Dr Jill Tomlinson treats and the range of non-surgical and surgical options available, with links to more detailed information on specific joints and treatments.
What is it?
Arthritis is inflammation or wear of a joint that causes pain, stiffness and swelling, and can reduce grip strength and range of movement. Dr Jill Tomlinson offers a full range of hand and wrist surgery services in the management of arthritis, including:
- Arthritis after injury (termed “post-traumatic arthritis”)
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
At a glance
What is it?
Wear, inflammation or injury to a joint, causing pain, stiffness and swelling in the hand or wrist
Common symptoms
Joint pain, stiffness and swelling, with reduced grip strength and movement
Who it affects
Can follow an injury, an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, or simple wear and tear
Is it serious?
Not dangerous, but untreated arthritis can be painful and progressively reduce hand function
Treatment options
From observation to corticosteroid injections through to joint fusion, joint removal or replacement surgery
First step
A consultation to identify which joint is affected, the type of arthritis involved and the recommended treatment(s)
Types of arthritis we manage
- Post-traumatic arthritis, following an injury to the joint
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Osteoarthritis, from wear and tear over time
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Which type of arthritis you have, and which joint is affected, both influence the right treatment. If you’re looking for information about a specific joint, our thumb base arthritis and finger arthritis pages cover those joints in more detail.
Symptoms of hand and wrist arthritis
Arthritis commonly causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the affected joint, along with reduced grip strength and range of movement. The exact pattern of symptoms depends on which joint is affected and the type of arthritis, so it’s worth being assessed to confirm the diagnosis and identify the joint or joints involved.
It is possible to have severe changes of arthritis on an x-ray with no symptoms. It is possible to have mild changes of arthritis on an x-ray with severe pain. A flare of pain does not necessarily represent the beginning of ongoing, inexorable deterioration in your quality of life and hand function. Symptoms can fluctuate and improve or resolve over time and with treatment. Symptoms can also deteriorate and warrant surgery.
Confirming the diagnosis
The right treatment depends on which joint is affected and how severe the arthritis is. An assessment with Dr Tomlinson will help confirm the type of arthritis and identify the best treatment options for your situation.
Treatment options for hand and wrist arthritis
Treatment can include non-surgical management, such as corticosteroid injections, as well as a range of surgical options depending on the joint and severity involved:
- Joint fusion (arthrodesis)
- Joint replacement (also called joint arthroplasty)
- Removal of bones, such as trapeziectomy and proximal row carpectomy procedures
- Tendon interposition and realignment (suspension arthroplasty)
When to see a hand surgeon
See a hand surgeon if joint pain, stiffness or swelling in your hand or wrist is affecting your daily activities, if symptoms are not settling with simple measures, or if you’d like to understand the full range of treatment options available for your particular joint and type of arthritis.
What to expect at your appointment
At your appointment, Dr Tomlinson will discuss your symptoms and history, examine the affected joint or joints, and talk through the treatment options that suit your situation and the type of arthritis involved, so you can make an informed decision about what to do next.
Related conditions and treatments
If you’re looking for information about a specific joint or treatment, these pages may help: thumb base (CMCJ) osteoarthritis, finger osteoarthritis (PIPJ and DIPJ), corticosteroid injections, joint fusion (arthrodesis) and trapeziectomy and suspension arthroplasty. We appreciate that the anatomical terms can be confusing – if you’re not sure which joint is involved, please ask your treating doctor.