Arthritis is a progressive condition that typically affects men and women over the age of 40. It is often due to wear-and-tear, as we rely on our hands for daily activities and the completion of many tasks. Tissues – such as cartilage – can break down and cause bones to rub against each other, causing painful symptoms.
The challenges of living with hand arthritis include pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion in the affected joints. Daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and dressing can become difficult. Gripping a doorknob or shaking hands can be painful. Anyone with hand arthritis will slowly begin to realize the immense challenge of living with the condition.
When it comes to treating hand arthritis, you should only trust an experienced orthopedic doctor. Your hands are very critical to daily living, and it is best to entrust their care to an expert. Let’s talk about what an orthopedic doctor can do for patients with hand arthritis.
An Accurate Diagnosis
There are different types of hand arthritis, and getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step to receiving effective treatment. Treatment may vary depending on whether you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the stage of arthritis and which joints are affected.
By seeing an orthopedic doctor, you will have a medical professional providing you with critical information about your problem and helping you understand unique factors that contributed to its development.
Expert Care
Orthopedic doctors who specialize in hand conditions receive additional training in the treatment of disorders of the hand and provide you customized treatment, which increases the likelihood of treatment success.
A Wide Range of Treatment Options
Orthopedic doctors can design treatment plans that are individualized to the patient, which may include the following:
- Medication to help relieve pain and inflammation associated with hand arthritis, as well as supplementation to support joint health
- Advanced physical therapy to help improve joint function, range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the ailing joints
- Viscosupplementation to increase lubrication in the joints
- Acupuncture to interrupt pain pathways and ease symptoms
- Splinting or bracing to help stabilize the joints and protect them from further damage
- Minimally invasive arthroscopic hand surgery to diagnose and treat problems with the joints of the hand
- Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and exercise, to help reduce the symptoms of hand arthritis
Dealing with hand arthritis alone can be isolating. If you have hand arthritis or suspect you may have the condition, seek out treatment, which begins with setting up an appointment with an orthopedic doctor.
Hand Arthritis Treatment in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes, FL
The orthopedic doctors at Total Orthopaedic Care can evaluate your condition and design a treatment plan that will help improve your hand arthritis symptoms and restore function to your hands. We offer a range of treatment options and administer compassionate patient-centric care.
To find out which one of our offerings we think can benefit you, schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today. Call our orthopedic clinic at (954) 735-3535 or use our convenient appointment request form.
