About wrist and hand arthritis
Dozens of small joints in the wrist and hand work together for grip, fine motor tasks, and weight bearing through the palm. Arthritis can affect any of them. Osteoarthritis typically shows up in the finger joints nearest the nails, the middle knuckles, and the wrist after an old injury.
Inflammatory types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, can also affect the wrist and knuckles and often need care from a rheumatologist alongside ours. Knowing which joints hurt and why helps us choose the right treatment and keep you using your hands.
Common symptoms
- Aching or throbbing in the wrist or finger joints
- Morning stiffness that eases as you move
- Swelling or firm bumps over the finger joints
- A weaker grip and trouble with buttons, jars, or tools
- Clicking or grinding with wrist movement
Common causes and risk factors
- Age-related wear on the cartilage
- An old wrist fracture or ligament injury that changed how the joint moves
- Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis
- Years of heavy manual work or repetitive gripping
- Family history
How we diagnose it
We start with your history and an exam of each joint, looking for swelling, tenderness, and loss of motion. Ultrasound at the exam table shows joint fluid, lining inflammation, and bone spurs, and it helps separate joint pain from tendon or nerve problems nearby. X-rays and blood tests are added when they will change the plan, especially if an inflammatory arthritis is possible.
How Propel treats wrist and hand arthritis
Hand therapy is the foundation: exercises to keep the joints moving, grip strengthening, splints for flares, and practical changes to how you use tools. We encourage you to stay active with your hands rather than rest them completely. Ultrasound-guided injections place medicine precisely into the small joint that hurts, and some people choose PRP to ease pain and improve function. PRP does not rebuild cartilage.
For persistent wrist pain, Dr. Chen offers joint denervation, which quiets the small sensory nerves that carry pain from the joint. It does not change the arthritis itself, but it can reduce pain for people who want to delay or avoid surgery. When a joint is badly damaged or unstable, we help coordinate referral to a hand surgeon.
What to expect at your visit
- 1.
We listen first
Your visit opens with a real conversation: how the problem started, what you have already tried, and the activity you want back.
- 2.
Exam and in-office ultrasound
A hands-on exam, then ultrasound at the exam table, often while you move, so your physician can see the tendon, joint, or nerve involved.
- 3.
A clear diagnosis and plan
You leave knowing what is wrong and what your options are, from strength-based rehab to procedures, and why we recommend each one.
- 4.
Treatment and follow-through
Most procedures happen here in the office. We coordinate with your physical therapist and check progress against the goals you set.
Questions about wrist and hand arthritis
- Is wrist denervation the same as surgery?
- Joint denervation targets only the small pain-carrying nerves around the wrist and leaves the joint itself alone. It is less invasive than joint fusion or replacement. Dr. Chen will review whether your pain pattern makes you a good candidate.
- How do I know if my hand arthritis is inflammatory?
- Clues include prolonged morning stiffness, warm and puffy knuckles, and involvement of both hands in a similar pattern. Ultrasound can show inflamed joint lining, and blood tests can help. If we suspect inflammatory arthritis, we coordinate with a rheumatologist.
- Can PRP help arthritis in the hand?
- PRP may ease pain and improve function in some small joints, but the evidence in the hand is more limited than in larger joints such as the knee. PRP does not rebuild cartilage. We discuss honestly whether it makes sense for your joints.