Hand Arthritis Treatment

Comprehensive Care for
Hand and Wrist Arthritis

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Hand arthritis can significantly impact everyday activities, making simple tasks like gripping or writing challenging. This condition affects the joints, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. While arthritis can affect people of all ages, it is more common in older adults and those with a history of joint injuries.

At UK Hand and Wrist Surgery, we offer tailored treatments for hand arthritis to help patients manage their symptoms effectively and regain hand functionality. Led by Specialist Hand Surgeon Mr Patrick Goon, our clinic provides advanced care designed to relieve symptoms and improve joint health.

Understanding Hand Arthritis

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Hand arthritis refers to the inflammation and degeneration of the joints in the hand and wrist. Common types include:

  • Osteoarthritis: Often called wear-and-tear arthritis, this type affects the joint cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness in frequently used joints like the finger joints and wrist.
  • Inflammatory Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation and damage, particularly in the small joints and can result in joint damage over time. Common types include rheumatoid arthritis and seronegative arthritis (eg. Psoriatic arthritis)
  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Caused by a previous joint injury, this type develops as a result of cartilage deterioration following trauma, leading to accelerated osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Hand Arthritis

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Hand arthritis symptoms can vary based on the type and severity of the condition. Common signs include:

  • Pain: Pain may be at rest, or/and with activity. Usually worse with movement.
  • Stiffness: Especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
  • Joint Swelling: Swollen, tender joints often indicate inflammation in affected joints.
  • Loss of range of motion: Difficulty moving wrist joints or finger joints, particularly the middle joints.
  • Bone Spurs: Bony growths near an arthritic joint can cause deformity and discomfort.
  • Joint Deformity: Long-term arthritis can lead to visible changes in the shape of painful joints.

These symptoms often worsen over time if left untreated, making early intervention essential.

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Early intervention with hand arthritis treatment helps manage symptoms and prevents further joint damage, allowing you to maintain daily activities.

Diagnosing Hand Arthritis

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Accurate diagnosis is essential for creating an effective treatment plan. At UK Hand and Wrist Surgery, our diagnostic process includes:

  • Physical Examination: Assessing joint swelling, tenderness and range of motion.
  • Imaging Tests: X-rays to identify joint cartilage loss or bone spurs and MRI for detailed images of joint damage.
  • Blood Tests: In cases of inflammatory arthritis, blood tests may be conducted to detect markers of inflammation.

Treatment Options for Hand Arthritis

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Treatment for hand arthritis aims to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve joint function. Options include:

Non-Surgical Treatments

  • Pain Medication: Over-the-counter or prescribed medications to ease pain and manage inflammation.
  • Hot or Cold Packs: Applying heat or ice to relieve symptoms and reduce pain in arthritic joints.
  • Steroid Injections: Administered to manage severe joint inflammation and provide short-term pain relief.
  • Splints or Braces: Supporting affected joints to reduce strain and improve functionality.
  • Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen the hand and improve mobility.

Surgical Treatments

For severe cases where non-surgical treatments are insufficient, surgery may be recommended:

  • Joint Denervation: by removing joint nerve fibres, this can effectively eliminate pain signals, thus allowing for continued movement and function.
  • Joint Fusion: Stabilising the damaged joint by fusing bones, reducing pain in the process.
  • Joint Replacement Surgery: Replacing severely damaged joints, such as wrist joints, with artificial implants to restore movement.
  • Joint Debridement: Removing loose bone or joint cartilage fragments to improve joint function.
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Comprehensive hand arthritis treatment is essential to address pain, stiffness and swelling, supporting long-term joint health and mobility.

Preventing and Managing Hand Arthritis

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While hand arthritis cannot always be prevented, certain measures can reduce risk factors and help manage the condition:

  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support joint health and overall well-being
  • Protect your hands during repetitive activities to minimise the risk of joint injury
  • Seek early treatment for joint pain or stiffness to prevent symptoms from worsening

Recovery and Aftercare

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Post-treatment recovery is tailored to each patient’s needs. Recommendations often include:

  • Immobilisation: Splints or braces may be used temporarily to protect healing joints.
  • Physical Therapy: Gradual exercises help restore mobility and strengthen the affected area.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Adjusting daily activities to reduce strain on arthritic joints.
  • Regular Follow-Ups: Monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as needed.

Why Choose UK Hand and Wrist Surgery
for Hand Arthritis Treatment?

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At UK Hand and Wrist Surgery, we provide expert care for arthritis of the hand, offering a range of non-surgical and surgical treatments tailored to each patient. Under the guidance of Mr Patrick Goon, our focus is on delivering personalised care to relieve pain, improve joint function and enhance quality of life. Mr Goon has a keen interest in arthroplasty techniques, both autologous and prosthetic reconstructions, as well as denervation procedures, as he firmly believes in preserving motion in joints.

Whether you are managing hand osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form of arthritis, our team is here to support you every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery.

Mr Patrick Goon

Meet Mr Patrick Goon

Mr Patrick Goon

Mr Goon, a highly trained Specialist Hand Surgeon, leads our clinic with expertise and a commitment to excellence in care. His experience spans a range of simple to complex procedures, from carpal tunnel release to wrist fusion and tendon repair. His focus on minimally invasive techniques supports optimal recovery and reduces post-operative discomfort, ensuring patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
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Book an Appointment with Mr Goon

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If you are suffering from a hand or wrist problem, please use the online form to contact us and arrange an appointment with Mr Goon. Alternatively, you can call us on 01707 443 444 or email us at Enquiries@hertfordshirehandsurgery.com

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can delaying treatment for hand arthritis make your symptoms worse?

Yes, delaying treatment can make your symptoms worse by increasing joint damage, pain and stiffness. Early intervention can slow disease progression and improve long-term outcomes.

Morning pain occurs due to joint stiffness after prolonged inactivity overnight. Simple exercises and warm compresses can help alleviate discomfort and improve mobility.

Yes, stress can indirectly worsen arthritis symptoms by increasing muscle tension and inflammation levels, which may lead to greater joint pain and stiffness. Stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises or mindfulness can be beneficial.

Diet plays a role in managing arthritis by reducing inflammation. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and nuts, may help, while processed foods and sugary drinks can aggravate inflammation and worsen symptoms.

Many people with arthritis notice increased stiffness and pain in cold or damp weather. Keeping hands warm and using heat therapy during these conditions can help manage discomfort.

Yes, staying active with low-impact exercises, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding repetitive strain on the joints can reduce symptoms and slow progression.

What Our Patients Say

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Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital

5th July 2024

I managed to dislocate one knuckle and badly break another knuckle in the same finger into multiple pieces, an injury which every Healthcare Professional that saw the X-ray told me was not only severe damage but also a particularly rare injury. Mr Goon and his team screwed the knuckle back together, which was particularly fiddly given the multiple small pieces.

After the operation I was given a number of exercises which were progressively added to over a series of regular appointments, both with Mr Goon and multiple Hand Therapists, to check and monitor my progress. I followed their instructions as closely as I could, both in frequency of exercising and how far to push the injury (I did want to actually recover fully after all, so why would I have not listened to the experts!), even though this was sometimes inconvenient or sore.

I’m delighted to say that I now have full use and movement of the finger and a scar which is unnoticeable unless you look very closely for it. Mr Goon and his team are all a credit to the NHS, not only due to their expertise, but all kept a very friendly and positive attitude at all times not just about the potential recovery but also with their general demeanor, were always supportive and happy to answer any question I had, even if I was worried they may have been obvious answers, and were always clear about the next steps I needed to take.

It’s also worth mentioning for anyone that may be critical of the NHS which is clearly currently under intense pressure based on the number of patients in the Hospital ever time I went in, I sustained the injury on a Wednesday evening, had the dislocation sorted at a Hospital walk-in clinic within 1.5 hours and had met the surgeon, gone through the options and procedure and was in surgery by Saturday morning. Mr Goon even came to see me himself and tell me how the procedure had gone as soon as I was fully awake. This shows what an amazing service the NHS actually provides, and I didn’t have to pay a penny.

The whole experience has far exceeded my expectations and I can only thank Mr Goon and his entire team for the amazing work that they have done to ensure my full recovery.

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Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital

3rd October 2024

I had an accident at work that led to part of my finger being cut off. Mr. Goon has been treating me, and thanks to his skill, I’ve actually got that part of my finger back, including the nail. Honestly didn’t think that’d be possible, especially not so soon. I’m really grateful to have had such a great doctor during such a rough time. It couldn’t have gone better. Joe Efford

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Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital

10th October 2024

I saw Dr Goon following an accident with a horse which resulted in numerous breakages in my thumb. Having had numerous visits and having experienced terrible pain I was not sure if Doctor Goon could help. How wrong I was, he was extremely good in every aspect of his work getting my pain under control pretty quickly. He reassured me, listening to my concerns and always made me feel completely at ease. He has a very positive attitude at all times with every visit exceeding my expectations. I will require further surgery but I am not concerned as I cannot fault the care from Mr Goon and his great team to date. I know I will be in safe hands. He is indeed “The Miracle Man”.

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