The treatment prescribed for hand and wrist arthritis depends on a variety of factors. Non-operative treatment options for arthritis of the wrist and hand include splinting, medication, and injections. If the prescribed non-operative treatment options fail to provide relief, then surgery is generally considered. There are a variety of surgical options however, the option chosen should be one that has a good chance of providing long-term pain relief and a return to good function.
Non-operative treatment options for arthritis of the wrist and hand include
- Splinting
- Medication
- Injections.
The type of treatment prescribed depends on many factors
- The degree to which the arthritis has progressed
- The number of joints involved
- The age, activity level, and overall health of the individual
- Whether the person’s dominant or non-dominant hand is affected
- The individual’s home support structure, personal goals, and ability to comprehend the treatment and comply with the therapy program.
NSAIDS: It is important to remember that medications only treat the symptoms of arthritis and cannot reverse joint damage or restore joint cartilage. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID’s) are the most common medications for arthritis. Once common example of an NSAID is Ibuprofen. These medications can help stop the body from producing the chemicals that cause pain and joint swelling. In addition, other medications such as Chondroitin sulfate and Glucosamine have been used for this purpose. Their effectiveness as treatment of wrist and hand arthritis has not been fully determined at this time, although it appears as though they may not be any more beneficial than the commonly used NSAID’s.
Corticosteriod Injections: Injections may be used when initial treatment with anti-inflammatory medication is not appropriate. These will typically contain a long-lasting anesthetic, similar to Novocain, along with a cortocosteroid designed to provide pain relief for weeks to months. Due to possible side effects, the injections may be only be repeated a limited number of times.
Splinting
- Support the affected joint by easing the stress placed on it during activities.
- Generally worn at those times when the joint hurts.
- They are designed to be small enough to allow the individual functional use of their hand while being worn.
- Should not be worn for too long of a period, however, for this can lead to muscle atrophy.
Goal
To provide long-term symptom relief and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Who qualifies?
Patient who have not had relief from prescribed non-operative treatments.
- Outcomes/Recovery:
- Recovery can be optimized with hand therapy
- Length of recovery varies per person
