Stiffness, swelling, and aching in the hands can turn everyday tasks—like buttoning a shirt, typing, or holding a cup—into frustrating challenges. For many people, these symptoms are caused by hand arthritis, a degenerative condition that damages the joints and affects mobility. When symptoms interfere with your quality of life, it’s time to speak with a specialist. At Nadora Healthcare, a hand doctor near me like Dr. Billy Baumgartner can offer expert diagnosis and personalized treatment options to help manage pain and preserve hand function.
Arthritis in the hand most commonly affects the base of the thumb, the knuckles, and the joints in the fingers. Over time, cartilage breaks down, leading to joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. For some, the symptoms come on gradually; for others, they appear suddenly after an injury or due to an underlying autoimmune condition. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types affecting the hands, though post-traumatic arthritis from previous injuries can also be a cause.
At Nadora Healthcare, the treatment approach begins with a thorough evaluation by a fellowship-trained hand specialist who understands the complexity of hand anatomy and function. The goal is to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore movement—while avoiding surgery when possible.
Non-surgical options include anti-inflammatory medications, activity modifications, custom splinting to reduce joint stress, and corticosteroid injections to ease inflammation. These therapies can be highly effective, especially in the early stages of arthritis, and are tailored to the patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
When arthritis progresses to the point where conservative treatments no longer provide relief, surgical options may be considered. These may include joint fusion (arthrodesis) to relieve pain by stabilizing the joint, or joint replacement (arthroplasty) to maintain more natural movement. The right approach depends on the severity and location of arthritis, as well as the patient’s functional needs.
Hand Arthritis Treatment Options By A Hand Doctor Near Me At Nadora Healthcare
If you’re living with chronic hand pain, swelling, or stiffness, don’t ignore the signs. Dr. Baumgartner is a hand doctor near me at Nadora Healthcare and he can guide you through your treatment options and help restore the function and comfort you need to live fully and confidently—without being held back by arthritis.
Visit NadoraHealthcare.com/Ortho to schedule an appointment with Dr. Baumgartner today!
