Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of diseases that cause inflammation in one or more joints. As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the hand and upper extremities, Dr. Abrams uses the most advanced techniques to treat arthritis of the fingers, hand, wrist, and elbow. He also performs a state-of-the-art procedure to treat basilar thumb arthritis that allows you to regain motion and function earlier.

What are the most common types of arthritis?

The two most common forms of arthritis are:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type, especially among older adults. This condition involves wear-and-tear damage to the cartilage that covers the ends of your bones. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack the healthy tissues in your joint. This condition can affect many joints at once and often starts in the hand and wrist. 

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

Your hand and wrist are intricate structures made of many small joints that work together. Having any type of arthritis in one or more of these joints can make everyday tasks, like preparing food or writing, painful and difficult. 

Arthritis symptoms vary in type and severity, but may include:

• Pain and swelling in the fingers
• Hand and wrist pain
• Elbow pain
• Redness and swelling
• Weakness in the joint
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion

The pain may feel like a dull ache or a burning sensation. It may come and go, or it can bother you constantly. If arthritis pain affects your quality of life, Dr. Abrams can help. 

What treatments are available for arthritis?

Dr. Abrams has extensive expertise in many procedures that treat arthritis of the hand, wrist, and elbow. He carefully examines your arthritic joint and reviews imaging tests to determine the best treatment for your specific needs. 

He always explores the most conservative treatments first, such as:

• Activity modification
• Immobilization in a splint or brace
• Occupational therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Topical treatments
• Injections

If you continue to experience arthritis pain and symptoms despite treatment, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Abrams performs many types of reconstructive and salvage procedures that help you regain the function of your hand, fingers, and wrist. He uses minimally invasive surgery whenever possible. 

For the highest-quality care in hand and upper-extremity arthritis treatment, call Samuel S. Abrams, MD, or book an appointment online today.