Arthritis of the hand can make it difficult or impossible to perform the activities necessary for daily living. The hands and wrists have many small bones and joints that work together to facilitate a wide range of fluid motion. The joint inflammation that usually accompanies hand arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and weakness that inhibit a person’s ability to complete even the most basic tasks, such as opening a jar or turning a key to unlock a door or start a car. For an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of hand arthritis, patients from Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and elsewhere in Florida can turn to the orthopaedic experts at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group.
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of hand arthritis, generally develops gradually over time. The ongoing stress that occurs during the natural aging process can wear away the articular cartilage that helps the bones and joints to glide smoothly over one other. As the cartilage progressively deteriorates, pain and other symptoms can worsen. If you’re experiencing arthritic pain in one or both hands, a physician at Tampa Orthopaedic near Tampa, FL, can evaluate your symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment.
A diagnosis of arthritis of the hand does not have to be synonymous with an inactive lifestyle. When treatment is sought and begun early, a patient might be able to resume most, if not all, of his or her normal activities. At Tampa Orthopaedic, treatment options for osteoarthritis include:
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Cortisone injections
In addition to osteoarthritis, the physicians at Tampa Orthopaedic have extensive experience in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions for professional athletes, weekend warriors, and everyone in between. Our Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Daniel Murphy, M.D., is proud to serve as a team physician for the New York Yankees, and our Board-certified sports medicine doctor, Arnold Ramirez, M.D., is pleased to serve as a team physician for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
To learn more about the evaluation and treatment of arthritis of the hand, please contact Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group today. Our caring and attentive approach to practicing medicine has earned us the trust of patients throughout Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding FL communities.
