Osteoarthritis – Treatment, Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (osteoarthrosis) is a disease of the small joints of the hand that occurs in older adults as a result of excessive joint stress and wear and tear, as well as following trauma. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis is most commonly observed in patients even many years after an injury to a specific joint (see wrist fractures). It affects younger people as well.

Osteoarthritis most commonly occurs at the base of the thumb and in the finger bones, which become deformed, causing inflammation and small cysts in the skin, especially in the joints at the tips of the fingers. If the arthritis is at the base of the thumb, swelling and pain during circular movements are observed, as well as an inability to hold a heavy morning teacup. Injections of steroids (anti-inflammatory drugs) can help manage this condition over the long term, but the definitive treatment is surgery.