Finger & Thumb Arthritis

What is Finger & Thumb Arthritis?

Arthritis of the fingers and thumb is one of the most common causes of hand pain and disability. It can affect any of the small joints of the fingers and thumb. The condition most frequently presents as osteoarthritis (OA), the wear-and-tear form, or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune inflammatory condition. Both types cause pain, stiffness and reduced hand function. However, both differ in their underlying mechanisms and management.

The thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint at the base of the thumb is a particularly common site for osteoarthritis, causing pain with pinching and gripping. Specialist Hand Therapy cannot reverse arthritis. Nonetheless - the speciality plays a central role in managing symptoms, maintaining joint health, preventing deformity and maximising hand function across all stages.

What causes Finger & Thumb Arthritis?

• Osteoarthritis: age-related joint wear, previous joint injury, genetic predisposition and repetitive manual work
• Rheumatoid arthritis: autoimmune inflammation targeting the joint lining, causing progressive joint damage
• Psoriatic arthritis: inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, often affecting the end joints of the fingers
• Post-traumatic arthritis: developing years after a finger or thumb fracture or joint injury
• Gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease: crystal arthropathies causing acute inflammatory episodes

Signs & symptoms

• Pain and aching in the finger or thumb joints, often worse with activity and in cold weather
• Morning stiffness: joints feel stiff and difficult to move first thing in the morning
• Swelling and tenderness over affected joints
• Bony nodules at the finger joints
• Reduced grip and pinch strength: difficulty with jar lids, keys and fine-motor tasks
• Thumb base pain during pinching, gripping or turning movements
• Deformity of the thumb or finger joints in more advanced disease

How Hand Therapy can help

Ms Razo provides specialist assessment and evidence-based treatment for Finger & Thumb Arthritis. Following a thorough initial assessment, a personalised treatment plan will be developed to address your specific needs and goals.

Frequently asked questions

Can Hand Therapy help arthritis?

Yes. While Hand Therapy cannot reverse the structural changes of arthritis, it is highly effective at reducing pain, maintaining or improving joint mobility as well as helping patients manage their condition to remain functional and independent. The right combination of theapeutic interventions plus advice can make a significant difference to quality of life.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in the hand?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition caused by cartilage wear over time. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that primarily targets the joint lining. Both can occur together. RA also carries a risk of tendon rupture and finger deformity that requires specific management.

Do I need a referral to see a Hand Therapist for arthritis?

No referral is required. You can self-refer directly to Ms Razo for assessment and management of finger or thumb arthritis.

Will I need surgery for finger or thumb arthritis?

Many patients manage their arthritis well long-term with non-operative measures including Hand Therapy. Surgery is considered when other measures have been exhausted and pain or disability significantly impacts quality of life. Ms Razo can provide post-surgical rehabilitation, if an operation is required.