The hand is made up of a number of small joints. Consequently, osteoarthritis is quite common to this body part, particularly among the elderly. Early symptoms of the condition include a dull or burning sensation in the joints, especially after increased use of the joint. Stiffness and pain in the morning will become commonplace. The pain may even be severe enough to wake you up at night. The joint pain seems to get worse with rainy weather.

People with osteoarthritis of the hand may have to adjust the way they use their hand in order to reduce the pain. If mobility is lost in the base joint of thumb, the next joint may become more mobile to compensate for the arthritic joint.

Non-surgical treatment options for osteoarthritis of the hand include medication, splinting and injections. A splint helps support the affected joint to ease the stress placed on it by activities. Splints are typically worn during periods when the joints hurt. Injections typically contain a long-acting anesthetic, similar to novacaine but longer lasting, and a steroid that can provide pain relief for weeks to months.

If non-surgical treatment fails to bring relief, there are many surgical options that can be considered. The first priority is to preserve the joint. Where this is not possible, a joint replacement or fusion (arthrodesis) is performed.