Overview
In osteoarthritis (OA), the smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint breaks down over time. Bones can rub together, causing pain and stiffness.
In the hands, OA often affects the joints near the fingertips, the middle finger joints, and the base of the thumb. Over time, bony bumps and changes in finger shape can appear. It usually gets worse slowly.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually start slowly.
- Hand, finger, or wrist pain that's worse with use
- Stiff fingers or hands, often less than 30 minutes
- Hard bony bumps on finger joints
- Pain at the base of the thumb
Less common
- Swollen fingers or joints after use
- Weak grip or dropping things
- Fingers that bend sideways
- A grating feeling when moving
How it usually goes
- Years: Pain and stiffness slowly increase.
- Flares: Joints may swell after heavy use.
- Over time: Bony bumps and shape changes can form.
When to get medical care
Causes
Osteoarthritis develops as joint tissue breaks down over time. Age, family history, past joint injuries, and repeated hand use can play a part.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
- It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.
Who is more likely to get it
- Older age
- Being female
- Family history of hand arthritis
- Past hand or finger injuries
Possible complications
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Can occur along with hand arthritis
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional can usually tell from your symptoms and an exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Which joints hurt and when
- How long stiffness lasts
- Trouble gripping or opening jars
- Swelling in many joints
- Family history of arthritis
The exam
They'll look at your hands for bony bumps, swelling, and how well the joints move.
Tests
Tests may include:
- X-rays: Show joint narrowing and bone spurs.
- Blood tests: To rule out other types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
There's no cure, but many treatments ease pain and keep hands working.
Self-care
- Do hand exercises to keep joints moving and muscles strong
- Use heat for stiffness and cold for pain and swelling
- Use grip aids, like jar openers and thick-handled tools
- Avoid repeating the same motion for long periods
- Wear a splint for a painful thumb, if suggested
Medicines
Pain relievers can ease symptoms.
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pain relievers Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen | Pain | Follow the label. Ask first if you have kidney, stomach, or heart problems. |
| Creams, rubs, or sprays | Pain in a few joints | Don't use on broken skin. |
| Steroid shots | Short-term relief | Your doctor will limit how often. |
If home care isn't enough, your healthcare professional may suggest prescription medicine, a steroid shot in the joint, or hand therapy. Surgery is an option for severe thumb arthritis.
How it compares
| Hand osteoarthritis | Rheumatoid arthritis | Gout | Trigger finger | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joints | Finger ends, thumb base | Knuckles and wrists, both sides | Usually one joint | One finger |
| Morning stiffness | Under 30 minutes | Over 30 to 60 minutes | With flares | Finger catches in the morning |
| Lumps | Hard, bony | Soft swelling | Red, hot | Tender lump in palm |
Prevention
You can protect your hands:
- Stay active and keep hand muscles strong
- Avoid hand injuries
- Use tools that reduce strain
- Keep a healthy weight to protect other joints
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a rheumatologist (joint and immune system doctor).
- A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.
Living with it
- Stay active with walking, swimming, or biking.
- Keep a healthy weight to ease joint strain.
- Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.
Support groups and helplines
- Arthritis Foundation: Helpline, exercise programs, and online community.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Most people can keep working or going to school.
- Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Older adults: Hand OA is very common. Ask about tools that make daily tasks easier.
- Workers: An occupational therapist can suggest changes to protect your hands.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
For caregivers
- Go to visits when you can and take notes.
- Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
- Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
- Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.
Outlook
Hand OA usually worsens slowly. Most people can manage pain and keep doing daily tasks with home care and treatment.
Getting ready for your visit
Show which tasks are hard.
What to bring
- Which joints hurt and when
- Activities that make it worse
- Medicines you've tried
Questions to ask
- Is this osteoarthritis or another type?
- What hand exercises help?
- Would a splint help?
- Is a shot or surgery an option?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Osteoarthritis of the hand
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.