Wrist & thumb arthritis.

Arthritis of the wrist, thumb and small joints

Arthritis in the hand and wrist is common, and there is a great deal that can be done to keep you comfortable and active, long before surgery is ever considered.

What it is

Arthritis is wear or inflammation in a joint, where the smooth surfaces that let the joint glide are gradually lost. In the hand it often affects the base of the thumb, the wrist, and the small finger joints, causing pain, stiffness and a weaker grip. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}

What you might notice

• Pain with gripping, pinching, or turning (opening jars, turning keys).
• Stiffness, especially in the morning.
• Swelling, or a changing shape to a joint over time.
• A weaker, less reliable grip.

How it is treated

The great majority is managed without surgery, and that is where we start.

• Hand therapy and joint protection, to keep you moving comfortably. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}
• Splints that support a painful joint, especially at the base of the thumb. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}
• Steroid injections, which can settle a flare. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}
• Surgery, reserved for when these no longer control symptoms; the right operation depends on the joint involved. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}

Recovery & what to expect

1. A careful assessment of which joints are affected and how they limit you.
2. A plan that starts with comfort, using therapy, splints and injections.
3. Surgery only if needed, chosen to suit the joint and your goals. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}
4. Follow-up and hand therapy to support recovery.

Questions patients ask

Will I definitely need surgery? No, most arthritis is managed well without it. Surgery is for when simpler measures no longer help. {{CONFIRM with Holly}}

Can anything cure it? We can’t reverse the wear, but we can do a great deal to reduce pain and keep your hand working. We’ll be honest about what to expect.