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Proper care for wrist, finger & hand arthritis
Finger & Wrist Arthritis
If your fingers and wrists ache, you have difficulty removing rings due to swollen joints, or you find you can’t enjoy the things you used to due to pain and discomfort in your hands, you may be suffering from arthritis. The discomfort caused by arthritis can range from merely uncomfortable to disabling – especially when it occurs in your hands and fingers. But you don’t have to live with that pain. Arthritis can be treated – and the pain can be vastly relieved.
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Common Arthritis Signs, Symptoms and Complaints
Arthritis has several telltale signs. Here are some common symptoms and complaints you might notice:
- Pain from a dull ache to sharp pain in your hands and finger joints
- Swelling of your hands and finger joints
- Grating, grinding and cracking feelings
- Limited range of motion in your fingers or wrists
- Small, bony nodules on your joints
- Deformed bones in your hands and fingers
- Waking up at night due to hand pain
- Morning hand pain and stiffness
What is Arthritis?
There are two primary types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Though they have different causes, both result in the grinding down of the cartilage in your joints – the smooth gliding surface between your bones. This results in the painful rubbing of bone on bone. Arthritis is especially common in the wrist, thumb base (CMC arthritis) and the middle and top finger joints.
Osteoarthritis:
- Normal wear and tear on joints
- Worsens with use and age
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- Chronic Inflammatory Disease
- Autoimmune Disorder
- Likely to affect same joint on both sides of body
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How Dr. Abeye Treats Arthritis
Arthritis is Treatable
At Dr. Abeye’s clinic, we always begin with the most conservative, non-surgical approaches, increasing intervention levels as necessary to achieve relief from pain, increased strength and range of motion.
Non-Operative Arthritis Intervention: Bracing
Bracing can help arthritic joints rest, encouraging pain relief and healing. Lifestyle changes and NSAID medications also help.
Non-Surgical Arthritis Intervention: Steroid Injection
Steroid injections can reduce pain and inflammation in your arthritic joints
Surgical Arthritis Treatment: Fusion
Also known as arthrodesis, joint fusion involves removing the diseased cartilage, trimming the ends of the intersecting bones, and mechanically fusing them together. This eliminates pain, but also eliminates range of motion for the joint, because it is permanently fused together. Fusion can be partial or complete.
Surgical Arthritis Treatment: Replacement
A joint replacement replaces the diseased, arthritic cartilage and joint bones with new, mechanical components that eliminate pain while preserving range of motion.
What to Expect
When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Abeye to investigate possible arthritis in our Oklahoma City clinic, you can expect a thorough examination of your hands and wrists, imaging (if necessary), a conversation about your symptoms and education about what is likely happening. You’ll receive a diagnosis, plan of action and any necessary braces or medications.
If you’re ready for relief, give us a call to schedule your appointment.
Are Your Symptoms Different?
If your symptoms differ from those discussed above, you may be suffering from a different disorder. Here are some other common conditions that may be a better match.
CMC Arthritis
Arthritic pain and swelling in the base of your thumb.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Hand and finger numbness caused by tightening of the wrist’s carpal tunnel.
Dupuytren’s Disease
Hard nodules on the palm and inability to straighten your finger.
De Quervain’s
Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, especially when twisting or gripping.
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Hand, Wrist & Elbow Specialist
Hand, Wrist & Elbow Orthopedic Expertise
About Our Office
Dr. Abeye is an experienced orthopedic hand surgeon, dedicated to – and fascinated by – the intricacies of the fingers, hands, wrists and elbows.
Patient Info
Find information about splint and cast care, pain management and more on our patient resource page.
Reach Out
Our office staff is here to help with whatever you need. Please don’t hesitate to call with your questions, concerns, or just to schedule your next appointment!