What Is Arthritis?

Hand Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Hand arthritis can make simple everyday activities, like opening a jar, turning a key, writing, or using your phone, more difficult and uncomfortable. While arthritis is common, especially as we age, patients have several options for managing pain and maintaining hand function.

Understanding what causes hand and thumb arthritis, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing when to see a hand specialist can help you determine the best next step for your care.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints. In healthy joints, smooth cartilage covers the ends of the bones and acts as a cushion, allowing them to move easily without friction. With osteoarthritis, this cartilage gradually wears down. As there is less cushioning between the bones, the joint can become painful, stiff, swollen, and more difficult to move. Common arthritis symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Reduced range of motion

As arthritis becomes more advanced, the space between the bones may continue to narrow and eventually lead to bone-on-bone contact.

Common Types of Hand Arthritis

Several types of arthritis can affect the hands and wrists. Osteoarthritis, sometimes called “wear-and-tear” or degenerative arthritis, is one of the most common. Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage within a joint gradually breaks down. Age and repeated use of the hands can play a role, but other factors may also increase a person’s risk. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the hands as well, but it is different from osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. Because different types of arthritis require different approaches to treatment, getting the correct diagnosis is important.

Thumb Arthritis (CMC Joint Arthritis)

One of the most frequently affected areas of the hand is the carpometacarpal, or CMC, joint located at the base of the thumb. The CMC joint plays an important role in the thumb’s ability to move, grip, and pinch. Because we rely on this joint for so many everyday movements, thumb arthritis can have a noticeable effect on daily life. CMC joint arthritis may make activities such as these painful or difficult:

• Opening jars
• Turning doorknobs
• Holding a phone
• Writing
• Using kitchen utensils or tools

Patients may notice pain directly at the base of the thumb, particularly when gripping, pinching, or twisting. Some people also experience weakness, swelling, tenderness, or decreased thumb motion.

Who Is at Risk for Thumb Arthritis?

Thumb arthritis becomes more common with age, but age is not the only factor involved. Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing CMC joint arthritis, including a family history of the condition, a previous thumb or wrist injury, joint looseness, or frequent activities that require gripping, pinching, or heavy lifting.

Symptoms can develop gradually and may become more noticeable over time. However, the severity of arthritis seen on an X-ray does not always match how a patient feels. Someone may have significant arthritis on imaging but relatively mild symptoms, while another patient may experience substantial discomfort. This is one reason treatment for hand arthritis should be based on the individual patient, their symptoms, and how the condition is affecting daily life.

What Causes Arthritis Pain?

Many people assume arthritis pain is simply a normal part of getting older, but the discomfort is related to changes happening within the joint.

As cartilage breaks down:

• The smooth cushioning between the bones decreases
• The bones experience increased friction
• The joint can become irritated
• Swelling, stiffness, or tenderness may develop
• The joint may become less stable over time

For patients with thumb arthritis, pain is often most noticeable during activities that place pressure on the CMC joint, particularly gripping, pinching, twisting, or opening objects.

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?

A proper diagnosis is an important part of finding the right hand arthritis treatment. A hand specialist will typically begin by discussing your symptoms, how long they have been present, any previous injuries, and which movements make your discomfort better or worse.

A physical examination can help assess:

• The location of pain and tenderness
• Swelling
• Joint stability
• Range of motion
• Grip or pinch function

For suspected thumb arthritis, your doctor may also perform specific movements to determine whether pressure on the CMC joint reproduces your symptoms. X-rays can provide additional information by showing changes within the joint, such as narrowed joint space, bone spurs, deformity, or other signs of arthritis.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Arthritis

Having hand or thumb arthritis does not automatically mean you need surgery. Many patients are able to manage their symptoms with conservative treatment, particularly when discomfort is mild or moderate. Non-surgical treatment for hand arthritis may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Splints or braces for joint support
• Activity modification
• Physical or occupational therapy

A splint, for example, can help support the base of the thumb and reduce stress on the arthritic joint during certain activities. Hand therapy may also help patients maintain motion, strengthen the muscles supporting the joint, and learn ways to perform everyday tasks with less discomfort.

The goal of conservative arthritis treatment is to reduce pain and help you continue using your hand as comfortably and effectively as possible.

When Is Surgery Needed for Arthritis?

Surgery is generally considered when hand or thumb arthritis causes significant pain or loss of function and non-surgical treatments are no longer providing adequate relief. The decision to have surgery is based on more than what an X-ray shows. Your hand specialist will also consider the severity of your symptoms, your activity level, how arthritis affects your daily life, and your response to previous treatments. For advanced thumb arthritis, surgery may focus on reducing painful bone-on-bone contact while maintaining as much useful thumb function as possible.

For thumb arthritis and other advanced cases, surgical treatment focuses on:

• Eliminating painful bone-on-bone contact
• Restoring joint stability
• Improving hand and thumb function

Surgical Treatment for Thumb Arthritis

There are several surgical options for CMC joint arthritis, and the best approach depends on the individual patient. One commonly performed type of thumb arthritis surgery involves removing the trapezium, a small wrist bone that forms part of the arthritic CMC joint. Depending on the surgical technique, a tendon or another method may then be used to support or stabilize the thumb.

Other surgical approaches are also available. Your hand surgeon can explain the differences between these procedures and recommend an option based on your arthritis, hand function, age, activity level, and individual needs. The overall goal of thumb arthritis surgery is to reduce pain and improve the patient’s ability to comfortably use the hand.

What Is Recovery Like After Thumb Arthritis Surgery?

Recovery from CMC joint surgery takes time. Patients typically wear a splint or cast during the early stages of healing to protect the thumb. Hand therapy may then become an important part of recovery, helping patients gradually restore movement, function, and strength.

Improvement does not happen overnight. Recovery can take several months, and grip strength may continue to improve over an extended period. Following postoperative instructions and allowing the hand adequate time to heal are important parts of the recovery process.

Benefits of Arthritis Surgery

Patients who undergo surgical treatment often experience:

• Long-term pain relief
• Improved grip and pinch strength
• Better overall hand function
• Increased quality of life

When to See a Hand Specialist

Consider seeing a hand specialist if you are experiencing:

• Persistent hand or thumb pain
• Difficulty gripping or pinching
• Swelling or stiffness that does not improve
• Weakness when opening or holding objects
• Pain at the base of the thumb
• Symptoms that interfere with work, hobbies, or everyday activities

Not every case of hand pain is arthritis. An evaluation can help identify what is causing your symptoms and determine whether conservative treatment, additional testing, or another approach may be appropriate.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

Hand arthritis and thumb pain do not have to keep you from doing the things you enjoy. From splinting and hand therapy to injections and surgical treatment for more advanced cases, treatment can be personalized around your symptoms and lifestyle.

If you are struggling with persistent hand arthritis, CMC joint arthritis, or thumb pain, scheduling an evaluation with one of our board-certified hand specialists can help you better understand your condition and explore the treatment options available to you.