Hand arthritis:
osteo & rheumatoid
Being told to "live with" your arthritis is not the end of the road. Specialist Hand Therapy can significantly reduce pain, improve hand function and help you stay independent — whatever stage your arthritis is at.
Arthritis does not have
to mean giving up
Many patients with arthritis of the hand and upper limb are told there is little that can be done short of surgery or pain medication. That is not the full picture. Specialist Hand Therapy can make a real and lasting difference — to pain levels, to hand strength, to daily function and to independence.
Ms Razo is a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) with extensive experience treating both osteo, rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritides affecting the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder. She works with patients at every stage — from early onset through to more advanced presentations. Treatment programmes are designed that are tailored to the individual, not the X-ray.
Joint
wear & tear
The most common form of arthritis. Cartilage breaks down over time, causing pain, stiffness, reduced pinch and grip. Commonly affects the base of the thumb, finger joints and wrist. Highly responsive to specialist Hand Therapy at all stages.
Inflammatory
joint disease
An autoimmune condition causing inflammation, pain and progressive joint damage. The hands and wrists are among the most commonly affected areas. Hand Therapy plays a central role in managing symptoms, protecting joints and maintaining function throughout all stages of the condition.
What specialist treatment
can achieve
Hand Therapy for arthritis is not a single treatment. It is a combination of approaches tailored to your specific joints, your symptoms and your daily life. The goal is always the same: less pain, better function and greater independence.
Practical techniques to reduce pain during daily activities, protect affected joints from further stress and maintain function without increasing inflammation or damage.
Custom, thermoplastic orthoses support and offload arthritic joints, reducing pain during activity and at rest. Splints are fabricated precisely to fit your hand and can be worn during specific tasks or overnight.
Carefully designed exercise programmes maintain and improve joint mobility and hand strength. Exercise is one of the most effective interventions for both osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis, when prescribed correctly.
Practical guidance on modifying everyday tasks, tools and equipment to reduce joint load while preserving independence. Small adaptations can make a significant difference to daily function and quality of life.
For patients with inflammatory arthritis. Guidance on managing flares involves advice on reducing activity at the right times, protecting inflamed joints and knowing when to seek further medical input.
Ms Razo works alongside Rheumatologists, Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgeons as well as GP's as part of a coordinated approach to arthritis management, and can provide reports and progress updates as required.
Frequently asked
questions
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No. While arthritis cannot be cured, there is a great deal that specialist Hand Therapy can do to reduce pain, improve function and slow the progression of disability. Many patients told to simply live with their arthritis see significant improvement in hand strength, mobility and manual dexterity following a course of specialist treatment.
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Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition caused by wear and breakdown of joint cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the joint lining. Both can affect the hands and upper limb with both responding well to specialist Hand Therapy, though the approach differs between the two.
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Yes. The severity of arthritis on imaging does not always predict how much can be achieved with Hand Therapy. Many patients with significant X-ray changes still make meaningful improvements in pain and function. Ms Razo will assess your specific situation and give you a realistic picture of what is achievable.
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No. You can self-refer directly to Ms Razo without going through your GP or Consultant. If you are under the care of a Rheumatologist, Ms Razo can work alongside your existing medical team and provide progress updates if helpful.
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Yes, for many aspects of arthritis management. Exercise programmes, activity advice, joint protection education and splint guidance can all be delivered effectively via video. An in-person appointment may be needed for custom splint fabrication.
Do not accept that
nothing can be done
Book a specialist assessment with Ms Razo and find out what Hand Therapy can do for your arthritis. Same-week appointments available. No GP referral needed.