Conditions Treated Hand & Wrist Hand & Wrist Arthritis

Hand & Wrist Arthritis

At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division, our team boasts expertise in treating hand and wrist arthritis, combining the skills of surgeons, physical therapists, and orthopedists. Our state-of-the-art facilities in Bethesda, Rockville, and Germantown are equipped to offer comprehensive care, ensuring patients receive the most advanced treatments. Our commitment is to provide exceptional care that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of arthritis, enhancing your quality of life through personalized treatment plans.

What Is Hand & Wrist Arthritis?

Hand and wrist arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased function. The most common types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis, each affecting the hand and wrist in unique ways and requiring specialized approaches for management and treatment.

Symptoms of Hand & Wrist Arthritis

The symptoms of hand and wrist arthritis are often more complex than initially appear. Beyond pain, swelling, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion, patients may experience a grinding sensation during joint movement, noticeable deformities in the fingers, and the development of cysts on or near the affected joints. These symptoms can progressively worsen without proper management, severely impacting the ability to perform common tasks and reducing quality of life.

Conditions That Worsen Hand & Wrist Arthritis

The progression and exacerbation of hand and wrist arthritis can be influenced by a variety of factors. Repetitive stress and overuse injuries, common in certain occupations and sports, significantly increase the risk. Previous injuries to the hand or wrist that didn't properly heal can lead to post-traumatic arthritis. Systemic health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis cause an autoimmune trigger, attacking the joint linings and causing inflammation. Lifestyle factors, such as obesity and smoking, can also worsen symptoms, making a comprehensive approach to treatment essential.

Treatment Options for Hand & Wrist Arthritis

To effectively manage hand and wrist arthritis, a comprehensive and individualized treatment approach is essential, considering the unique nature and severity of each case. This strategy often involves a combination of physical therapy, medication, and possibly surgical interventions for more advanced conditions. Tailoring the treatment to the individual's specific needs and circumstances ensures the best possible outcomes in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

This non-surgical treatment option focuses on exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around the hand and wrist, increasing flexibility and reducing the symptoms associated with arthritis. Physical therapy can also include the use of modalities like heat and ice to manage pain and swelling.

Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroids are often prescribed to manage pain and reduce inflammation. These can be taken orally or injected directly into the affected joint for more targeted relief.

For cases where conservative treatments have not provided relief, surgical options may be considered. These can range from joint fusion, where the affected bones are fused together to reduce pain by eliminating joint movement, to joint replacement, where damaged parts of the joint are replaced with artificial components. Arthroscopy, a more commonly employed and less invasive surgical procedure, may be used to clean out the joint or repair damaged tissue with minimal incisions.

Hand & Wrist Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in Montgomery County, Maryland

For those suffering from hand and wrist arthritis in Maryland, The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division offer a beacon of hope. Our multidisciplinary team is at the forefront of arthritis care, utilizing the latest research and techniques to provide effective treatment options.

Reach out to us at (301) 515-0900 or schedule an appointment online to schedule a consultation with a physician at our Bethesda or Germantown locations. Let our team of experts devise a personalized treatment plan that brings relief and restores function to your hands and wrists.

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