Hand Arthritis Treatment
Houston hand surgeons specializing in arthritis care — advanced treatment to relieve stiffness, ease pain, and improve joint function.
Hand Arthritis Specialist in Houston, TX
Struggling with daily activities due to arthritis pain and deformity? Our expert hand and wrist specialists at Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas are here to help. Call (713) 374-4263 to book an appointment in Houston, Baytown, or Katy, Texas.
What Is Hand Arthritis?
Arthritis encompasses over 100 conditions causing joint pain or disease, primarily manifesting as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis — degenerative arthritis — is often a result of "wear and tear," while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder attacking joint tissues.
Both conditions can lead to severe pain and deformity, sometimes necessitating surgical intervention in advanced stages.
Book an evaluation- Main types
- Osteoarthritis & rheumatoid
- Osteoarthritis
- "Wear and tear" of cartilage
- Rheumatoid
- Autoimmune joint attack
- Treatment
- Conservative care to joint surgery
What Causes Hand Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis often emerges with age as cartilage wears down, leading to bone friction and bone spurs. Rheumatoid arthritis is believed to involve a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors influencing the immune system's abnormal response.
Common Signs & Symptoms
Arthritis predominantly manifests through pain — intensifying at the start and end of an activity — with the affected joint becoming swollen and warm to the touch. The symptoms differ between the two main types:
Osteoarthritis symptoms
- Sore or stiff joints, especially after inactivity
- Pain that escalates after activity or through the day
- Restricted range of motion in affected joints
- Mild swelling, tenderness, or redness around the joints
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
- Persistent joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness
- Symmetrical joint involvement on both sides
- Frequent fatigue and diminished appetite
- Progressive finger deformities (ulnar drift)
How Hand Arthritis Is Diagnosed & Treated
Treatment focuses on alleviating swelling and sustaining joint mobility and strength. Where joints are extensively damaged, our surgeons can repair or replace them — often with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for smaller incisions and quicker recovery.
Treatment options we may recommend
- NSAIDs & cold therapy to reduce swelling
- Physical therapy & at-home exercises
- Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery
- Joint repair or replacement (advanced cases)
- Early, aggressive medication for rheumatoid arthritis
Recovery Timeline & Care Tips
Recovery depends on the specific surgery. Your hand will generally be secured with a dressing and thumb splint — a cast may immobilize the joint for up to three months. Post-operative physical or occupational therapy may span up to 8 weeks to enhance strength and function.
Request your appointment
The Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas offer diagnosis and treatment for hand, wrist, and elbow problems in Houston using the most advanced, minimally invasive techniques.