Arthritis pain can interfere with everyday activities, making even the simplest tasks challenging and painful. From buttoning your shirt to tying your shoes to sending an email, all the “little things” you once took for granted are suddenly sources of frustration.
Arthritis can’t always be cured, but it’s important to remember that there are many effective treatment options available. With the right care, you can see improved mobility and reduced pain so that you can get back to feeling like yourself again. At Arizona Center for Hand to Shoulder Surgery, we help patients manage arthritis affecting the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. We offer both conservative care and advanced surgical options, depending on your unique needs.
What Causes Arthritis Pain?
Arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions your joints gradually wears away or becomes inflamed. Without that protective cushioning, bones can rub together. This friction is what causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
There are many types of arthritis, but the most common include:
- Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis following an injury
Arthritis can affect almost any joint, but it’s especially common in the hands, fingers, thumb, wrist, and shoulder.
What Are the Most Effective Ways to Manage Arthritis Pain?
For many patients, the best treatment plan is a combination of several approaches rather than a single solution. Our specialists can help you determine which treatment, or combination of treatments, is right for your unique symptoms and goals.
Stay Active
Some people are surprised to hear it, but gentle movement is one of the best ways to manage arthritis pain. Regular activity helps:
- Maintain joint flexibility
- Strengthen the muscles that support your joints
- Reduce stiffness
- Improve overall function
Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, stretching, or hand exercises can be great options. If you’re unsure where to begin, your physician can recommend exercises that are safe for your condition.
Protect Your Joints
Small changes throughout the day can reduce stress on painful joints.
Consider:
- Using ergonomic tools or adaptive devices
- Taking breaks during repetitive activities
- Avoiding prolonged gripping or pinching
- Using both hands when lifting heavier objects
These simple strategies can help reduce flare-ups while preserving joint function.
Use Ice or Heat
Both cold and heat therapy can provide temporary relief.
- Cold packs help reduce inflammation and swelling during painful flare-ups.
- Heat therapy helps relax stiff muscles and improve flexibility before activity.
Many patients find that alternating between the hot and cold works well.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body weight increases stress on many of your joints and can contribute to ongoing inflammation. smay reduce arthritis pain and improve overall mobility.
Consider Medications or Injections
Depending on your symptoms, your physician might recommend treatments like:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Topical creams or gels
- Corticosteroid injections
These treatments can provide symptom relief while allowing you to remain active.
When Should I See an Orthopedic Specialist for Arthritis?
Occasional joint aches are common, but persistent symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.
Schedule an evaluation if you experience:
- Pain lasting several weeks
- Joint swelling or warmth
- Difficulty gripping or lifting objects
- Loss of range of motion
- Pain that interferes with work, hobbies, or sleep
- Symptoms that aren’t improving with home treatment
Early treatment can often slow progression and help preserve joint function.
Can Surgery Help Arthritis?
Not everyone with arthritis needs surgery, but some people benefit greatly from the procedure. For most people, it’s best to start with conservative treatments, track their progress, and go from there.
If pain becomes severe or starts to impact the quality of your life, surgery could offer much-needed relief and help you feel like yourself again. If your symptoms don’t respond to conservative treatments, your doctor at Arizona Center for Hand to Shoulder Surgery might suggest a variety of arthritis treatments, including:
- Synovectomy to remove diseased or damaged synovial membranes
- Osteotomy to realign your joints
- Fusing degenerating joints to prevent movement
- Replacing arthritic joints with artificial ones
Your surgeon will help you understand which treatment might be best for you, depending on your medical history, unique symptoms, and long-term goals.
Relief Is Possible with the Right Treatment
Living with arthritis doesn’t mean you have to give up the activities you enjoy. With the right treatment plan, many patients successfully reduce pain, improve mobility, and continue doing the things they love.
If arthritis pain in your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder is affecting your daily life, the experienced team at Arizona Center for Hand to Shoulder Surgery can help you explore personalized treatment options designed to relieve pain and restore function.
Contact us today to learn more!
