Arthritis Clinics In Houston

ALL ABOUT ARTHRITIS OF THE HAND

The leading cause of disability in the United States, arthritis causes pain, inflammation and loss of mobility in the joints. The proper function of the hands depends upon an intricate network of joints. When arthritis sets into one or more of these joints, the dexterity needed to perform such tasks as opening a jar, threading a needle, tying a shoelace, fastening a button and other day-to-day activities is affected.

Causes of Arthritis

There are numerous types of arthritis caused by a variety of factors. Arthritis can be caused by genetic factors, as well as age, injury, disease or trauma. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms of these arthritis types tend to come on gradually as the cartilage cushioning the joints slowly breaks down. Other types of arthritis are posttraumatic, caused by trauma damaging the cartilage. Dislocations are common causes of arthritis of this type.

Arthritis Symptoms

Common arthritis symptoms include:

• Pain: often described as a “dull” pain in the beginning, emerging hours after use of the affected joint. Pain and stiffness in the morning hours is also common.
  
  
• Warmth: arthritic joints can be warm to the touch.
  
  
• Inflammation: swelling and stiffness affecting joint movement.
  
  
• Deformity: change in joint shape and appearance.

Diagnosing Arthritis

To diagnose arthritis, several methods can be used, including physical examination, blood tests, X-Rays, or arthroscopy, a procedure which uses small camera inserted into the joints for a clearer picture of their condition. Because arthroscopy is an invasive procedure, other diagnostic measures are more commonly used.

Arthritis Treatment Options

Depending upon factors such as the type and severity of arthritis, and personal characteristics such as age, patient lifestyle, and goals, there are various treatment options available. Non-surgical options should almost always occur first and include splinting, anti-inflammatory medication and injections. For more severe cases, surgical options such as joint reconstruction, fusion or replacement can help.

• Medication: used to control arthritis symptoms, such as pain and inflammation.
  
  
• Injections: containing anesthetic and steroids. Relief from injections can last weeks or months. Due to the risk of side-effects and infection, patients should undergo only a limited number of injections.
  
  
• Joint Reconstruction: surgically reconstructs or preserves the joint to reduce pain and swelling and restore function.
  
  
• Joint Fusion: a surgical procedure performed when the joint has deteriorated to a point where it can no longer be surgically preserved or reconstructed. With this procedure, the ends of the bones making up the joint are fused together, relieving pain but also halting motion.
  
  
• Joint Replacement: performed to restore function as well as provide pain relief to the affected joints. Synthetic joints are made from such materials as ceramic, metal and plastics. Most joints in the fingers and wrist can be surgically replaced.