Osteoarthritis of the hands

Osteoarthritis of the hands: a common presentation for arthritis in elderly patients or in occupations that involve repetitive gripping, lifting, pushing, or pulling.  The joints of the fingers are typically involved.

Signs/symptoms include deformity, pain, limited motion, loss of function of the fingers.

Treatment

Treatment is conservative or nonsurgical and includes anti-inflammatory medicines, and activity modifications.

Surgery

Surgical intervention is reserved for patients with severe pain with has failed conservative treatment and includes fusion of the joint to take the motion away from the joint to help with the pain.