Damaged or arthritic joints in the hand can make everyday tasks more difficult than they should be.
The many small joints in the hand and fingers are essential to nearly everything you do, so when one becomes damaged by arthritis, injury, or wear over time, even simple tasks like gripping, typing, or buttoning a shirt can become difficult or painful. Because our team includes board-certified/eligible surgeons experienced in hand surgery, we approach joint surgery with the same precision and attention to function that guides every procedure we perform.
Common signs of joint damage include persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, or a visible change in the shape of a finger joint. Symptoms often develop gradually, particularly with arthritis, and tend to worsen over time or with repeated use. Some patients also notice a grinding sensation or reduced range of motion in the affected joint.
Left untreated, a damaged joint often continues to deteriorate, leading to worsening pain, stiffness, and loss of function over time. In some cases, delaying treatment can also make the joint more difficult to correct later, particularly if surrounding tissue and alignment continue to be affected.
We evaluate your symptoms and the affected joint, often using imaging to assess the extent of damage.
We determine the appropriate surgical approach, such as fusion or replacement, based on your joint and goals.
Surgery is typically performed under regional or general anesthesia, with duration depending on the complexity of the procedure.
You'll likely wear a splint or brace to protect the joint, with specific guidance on early movement to support healing.
Joint surgery calls for a team that weighs function and long-term comfort together.
Joint fusion permanently joins the bones on either side of a joint to eliminate painful movement, while joint replacement uses an implant to preserve some motion in the joint. We'll help determine which is right for your specific situation.
Common causes include arthritis, previous injury, and general wear over time, though the specific cause can affect which treatment approach makes the most sense.
This depends on the procedure. Joint replacement is designed to preserve some movement, while fusion trades some motion for stability and pain relief. We'll discuss realistic expectations for your specific joint.
Recovery varies by procedure, but many patients need several months to reach full recovery, including a course of hand therapy.
Yes, hand therapy is typically an important part of recovery, helping restore strength and function as the joint heals.
Joint surgery is generally considered medically necessary and is typically covered by insurance. We can help you understand what applies to your specific situation.
Many joint concerns are managed with nonsurgical treatments, like splinting, medication, or injections, before surgery is considered. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your symptoms and discuss the full range of options before recommending surgery.
As founding partners and long-standing members of the local medical community, we have spent our careers dedicated to the health and well-being of our neighbors.
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