Osteoarthritis in the Hands: What It Is, Causes and Treatment

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative and progressive disease of the articular cartilage. This means that, over time, the cartilage gradually wears away. As it is a progressive condition, there is no definitive cure that can completely reverse it. However, treatments can help slow its progression and relieve symptoms.

Osteoarthritis can be classified into four grades:

1. Grade 1 (very mild)
2. Grade 2 (mild)
3. Grade 3 (moderate)
4. Grade 4 (severe)

Why can osteoarthritis develop in the hands?

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body. Its development depends on multiple factors, such as:

1. genetics
2. environment
3. type of work.

Although it is more common in weight-bearing joints such as the hip or knee — which support body weight — it can also develop in the hands. In this case, it is often associated with repetitive habits or jobs involving constant movements or vibrations, such as the use of tools (for example, pneumatic drills) or prolonged use of a computer mouse.

In general, any repetitive activity carried out over many years can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis in the hands.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the hands

Joint stiffness

One of the first symptoms is stiffness in the joints, particularly in the morning. When you begin moving your fingers, you may experience a sensation of swelling or difficulty performing certain movements. This is often how the condition begins, while it is still at an early stage.

Pain

In the early stages, pain may decrease after moving the hand for a while. However, as the condition progresses, the pain becomes more constant and may occur throughout the day, particularly when exerting force or performing strenuous movements with the hands.

Causes and origins of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis has a multifactorial origin. In other words, different factors are involved, including genetics, environment, lifestyle habits and type of work.

For example, smoking can negatively affect the blood supply to cartilage, increasing the risk of developing the condition. Inflammatory or rheumatic diseases can also play a role.

There are two main types of osteoarthritis:

1. Primary osteoarthritis: develops spontaneously, without a directly identifiable cause.
2. Secondary osteoarthritis: develops as a consequence of other problems, such as inflammatory diseases, trauma or fractures affecting the joint.

Both forms can lead to progressive deterioration of the joints.

Treatments for osteoarthritis in the hands

Although there is no definitive cure for osteoarthritis, there are different treatment options aimed at relieving symptoms and slowing its progression. The main goals of treatment are to:

1. improve the patient’s quality of life
2. reduce pain
3. maintain the function of the hands and other affected joints.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative and progressive condition characterised by the deterioration of cartilage, a tissue that acts as a cushion within the joints. This tissue covers the bones, reduces impact and prevents them from rubbing against each other. However, because cartilage has a very limited blood supply, its ability to regenerate is limited. For this reason, although regenerative medicine continues to advance, a definitive solution for restoring cartilage has not yet been achieved.

Current treatments vary depending on the degree of deterioration, the individual patient and the affected joint. It is important to distinguish between weight-bearing joints — such as the hip, knee or ankle — and non-weight-bearing joints, such as the shoulder, elbow or wrist.

Regenerative Therapies

Bioregenerative cell therapies involve extracting cells from the patient’s own body and injecting them into the affected joint. Although they may have an anti-inflammatory effect, current evidence does not demonstrate actual cartilage regeneration, so their use is reserved for selected cases.

 

Keeping the joint moving

Regardless of which joint is affected, it is essential to keep it moving. Targeted physical activity focused on strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint provides natural support, helping to absorb impact and improve stability.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy complements physical exercise, helping to maintain joint mobility and reduce inflammation. Techniques and devices such as infrared therapy or magnetotherapy may also be used to help relieve symptoms associated with cartilage deterioration.

Pharmacological treatment

Pharmacological treatment is mainly used during acute episodes of pain. In these cases, analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used for short periods, generally for a few days. Prolonged use is not recommended, as it may cause adverse effects without providing sustained benefits.

Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that help reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. They can be administered alone or in combination with hyaluronic acid, providing both pain relief and improved joint function.

RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS

Thumb Osteoarthritis

There is a wide range of treatments available to relieve the uncomfortable pain located at the base of the thumb.

Localised Pain Treatment

Relieving the discomfort caused by persistent muscle pain can improve your quality of life. Discover the possibilities offered by regenerative medicine.

Dupuytren

An innovative outpatient treatment using injections, allowing for a faster recovery.