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HomeReview of the conditionCharacteristics of arthritis of the hand Types Similar conditions Incidence and risk factors Diagnosis Medications Exercises Possible benefits of hand surgery Considering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationConclusion

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Hand Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Edited By: Thomas Trumble, M.D.
Last updated Thursday, October 14, 2004

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Review of the condition

What are some general characteristics of arthritis of the hand? What are its usual manifestations?

True arthritis in the hand manifests as swelling over the wrist and the metacarpal phalangeal joint (the knuckles of the hand) with deformity of the fingers as they drift away from the thumb.

How common is arthritis of the hand (statistics, demographics, risk factors)?

The hand is one of the most likely areas for rheumatoid arthritis to cause symptoms.

How is arthritis of the hand diagnosed? What tests or exams may be used?

Clinical examination and X-rays provide most of the useful information regarding the diagnosis and treatment for rheumatoid arthritis of the hand.

Can medications help arthritis of the hand?

Medications have made a major impact in the severity of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The use of methrotrexate has dramatically slowed the rate of deformity in the hand.

Can exercises help arthritis of the hand?

Exercises can help maintain the strength and dexterity of the hand. Night splints can be helpful to decrease the progression of deformity of the hand.

Specifically, how is arthritis of the hand improved by hand surgery?

Surgery can be extremely helpful in decreasing the rate of tendon ruptures, particularly when swelling has developed in the wrist. When pain and deformity develop in the fingers, surgery can be helpful in relieving pain and correcting the deformity.

Surgery for arthritis of the hand at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4537 to make an appointment.

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