Arthritis
Arthritis does not only affect large joints like the hips and knees. It can also develop in the small joints of your hands, wrists and elbows, making everyday activities surprisingly difficult. Turning a key, opening a jar or even writing a shopping list may become uncomfortable.
If joint pain is beginning to affect your independence, an assessment with an Orthopaedic surgeon in Midrand or Sunninghill can help identify the cause and discuss suitable treatment options. Although arthritis cannot always be reversed, there are many ways to manage symptoms and improve function.
Which joints can arthritis affect?
Arthritis develops when the smooth cartilage that cushions a joint gradually wears away or becomes damaged. This can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced movement over time.
Common upper limb conditions include:
- Thumb arthritis, often causing pain when gripping or pinching objects.
- Finger joint arthritis, which may lead to swelling, deformity, stiffness and difficulty bending the fingers.
- Wrist arthritis, making lifting, twisting or weight-bearing activities uncomfortable.
- Elbow arthritis, which can limit movement and make everyday tasks more challenging.
In some people, arthritis develops gradually with age. For others, previous injuries, hand and wrist trauma or certain medical conditions may contribute to earlier joint wear.
What symptoms should I look out for?
Symptoms often begin subtly before becoming more noticeable. You may experience aching after activity, stiffness first thing in the morning or discomfort that slowly worsens throughout the day.
Other signs can include:
- Pain during movement or while gripping objects.
- Swollen or enlarged joints.
- Reduced range of motion.
- Weakness in the affected hand or arm.
- A grinding or clicking sensation when moving the joint.
Because symptoms vary from person to person, an accurate diagnosis is important. Some conditions may resemble other common hand conditions, while others require different treatment altogether.
What treatment options are available?
Treatment depends on which joint is affected, the severity of the arthritis and how much it interferes with your daily life. Many people benefit from conservative treatment before surgery is considered.
Management may include:
- Activity modification to reduce strain on painful joints.
- Splints or supportive braces.
- Anti-inflammatory medication where appropriate.
- Joint injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgery for advanced arthritis when other treatments are no longer effective.
If arthritis has developed following an injury or is affecting more complex structures of the arm, treatment may involve procedures used in upper limb reconstruction. Likewise, symptoms that limit your ability to participate in sport or exercise may overlap with sports-related conditions and require a tailored assessment.
Many people searching online for orthopaedic doctors near them are looking for answers about persistent joint pain that has not improved with rest. Others search for good orthopaedic doctors near them because everyday activities are becoming increasingly difficult. Seeking assessment early may help slow progression and improve long-term function.
Ready to take the next step?
Living with arthritis does not mean giving up the activities you enjoy. If pain, stiffness or reduced movement is affecting your quality of life, arrange a consultation with Dr Dharshen Naicker. Together, you can identify the cause of your symptoms and discuss treatment options that support comfortable movement and better hand, wrist or elbow function.
Book an appointment today
