Hand & Wrist Arthritis
Hand and wrist arthritis affects the small joints of the fingers, thumb, and wrist, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of hand function. The most common forms are osteoarthritis (especially at the thumb base and finger joints) and rheumatoid arthritis. Given our reliance on hand function for daily activities, arthritis here significantly impacts quality of life.
Prevalence
Hand osteoarthritis affects over 40% of people over age 70. Thumb base (CMC) arthritis is particularly common, affecting up to 15% of adults over 30 and 66% of women over 55.
Who It Affects
More common in women and increases with age. Risk factors include family history, previous hand injuries, repetitive hand use, obesity, and certain occupations requiring fine motor tasks.
Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Regenerative therapies are investigational and not FDA-approved to treat this condition.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes & Risk Factors
Traditional Treatment Options
Hand Therapy & Splinting
Exercises to maintain mobility and splints to support affected joints.
Limitations: Helps manage symptoms and maintain function. Cannot reverse joint damage.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
Oral or topical NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation.
Limitations: Symptom relief only. Topical options have fewer side effects but limited penetration.
Corticosteroid Injections
Steroid injections into small hand joints for temporary relief.
Limitations: Effects are temporary. Limited by small joint size. Risk of tendon weakening.
Joint Fusion or Arthroplasty
Surgical fusion to eliminate pain or joint replacement for certain joints.
Limitations: Fusion eliminates joint motion. Hand joint replacements have variable outcomes.
Regenerative Medicine Approach
How Regenerative Therapy May Help
Regenerative medicine for hand and wrist arthritis explores whether biologics may help support joint health in these functionally critical small joints. The goal is to deliver growth factors and regenerative signals to modulate inflammation and potentially support cartilage health.
Potential Benefits Being Studied:
- May help reduce inflammation in small joints
- Contains growth factors relevant to cartilage health
- Precise delivery to specific joints under imaging
- Minimally invasive alternative to explore
- May help preserve hand function
- Can target multiple joints if needed
Biologics Used:
Exosomes suitable for small joint injection
Mesenchymal stem cells delivered to affected joints
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all hand joints be treated?
Most hand and wrist joints can receive injections, though some are technically challenging due to size. Your provider will evaluate which joints may be appropriate for treatment based on your specific arthritis pattern.
Will I regain full hand function?
Results vary significantly. Some patients report improvement in pain and function, while others may have limited response. Regenerative therapies cannot guarantee restoration of lost function.
How long until I can use my hands normally?
Most patients can resume light activities within 24-48 hours. Your provider may recommend limiting heavy gripping for a short period after treatment.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Schedule a free consultation to discuss hand & wrist arthritis and learn if regenerative medicine may be right for you.
Important Disclaimer
Regenerative therapies for hand and wrist arthritis are investigational and not FDA-approved. Results vary. Consult with a hand specialist for comprehensive evaluation and treatment options.