Are you searching for answers about what causes hand arthritis? Are you dealing with joint pain, stiffness, weakness, or swelling in your hand or fingers? If so, you may be experiencing hand osteoarthritis. At Mirza Orthopedics, orthopedic surgeons Dr. Ather Mirza and Dr. Justin Mirza specialize in diagnosing and treating hand arthritis to help patients return to their active lifestyles with minimal downtime. Continue reading below to learn what causes hand arthritis and how it can be treated.
What Is Hand Arthritis? 
Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling, inflammation, and tenderness within the joints. Hand arthritis commonly affects the base of the thumb, the joints closest to the fingertips, and the middle joints of the fingers. Over time, cartilage that cushions the joints begins to wear down, causing increased friction, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
What Causes Hand Arthritis?
Hand arthritis typically develops due to gradual wear and tear of the joint cartilage, but several factors can increase your risk. The most common causes of hand arthritis include aging, repetitive hand use, previous injuries, and genetic predisposition. As cartilage breaks down, the bones begin to rub together, leading to inflammation, joint damage, and chronic discomfort.
Common Risk Factors for Hand Arthritis
- Aging — cartilage naturally breaks down over time
- Repetitive hand motions from work, sports, or hobbies
- Previous hand or wrist injuries
- Genetics or family history of arthritis
- Joint stress from heavy gripping or manual labor
Symptoms of Hand Osteoarthritis
- Joint pain or aching
- Weakness in the hands or grip strength
- Morning stiffness or stiffness after activity
- Swelling around joints
- Redness and tenderness
- Limited or decreased range of motion
- Clicking, popping, or cracking sensations
What Causes Arthritis Flare-Ups?
- Cold or damp weather
- Overuse of the hands
- Ongoing joint wear and tear
- Physical or emotional stress
- Inflammation or infection
How Is Hand Arthritis Treated?
Although there is no cure for hand osteoarthritis, many treatment options can help reduce pain, slow progression, and improve daily function. Common treatments include anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, bracing or splinting to stabilize the joint, and hand therapy exercises designed to improve strength and mobility.
Cortisone injections may also be used to decrease inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. For patients with advanced arthritis who do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical options may be considered. If you are experiencing hand arthritis symptoms and need a trusted hand surgeon in Hauppauge, NY, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ather Mirza and Dr. Justin Mirza at Mirza Orthopedics for a personalized treatment plan.
Contact Mirza Orthopedics — Hand Surgeon in Hauppauge, NY
If you are experiencing symptoms of hand arthritis and want to understand what is causing your joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, contact Mirza Orthopedics today to schedule an evaluation with an experienced hand specialist.