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    3. Rheumatology
    4. Treatment for Arthritis in the Hand

    Treatment for arthritis in the hand

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our Rheumatology specialists provide expert assessment and treatment of arthritis pain in the hands using advanced diagnostic technology and a personalised approach to care. 

    Following a detailed consultation, our multidisciplinary team uses modern imaging and laboratory investigations to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop an individual treatment plan designed to improve hand function, relieve pain and support long-term joint health.

     

    • Hand arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and damage within the joints of the hands and fingers, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced movement. The need for treatment of arthritis pain in the hands depends on the type of arthritis, its severity and how significantly symptoms affect everyday activities.

      Several forms of arthritis can affect the hands, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. Early assessment is important because some inflammatory forms of arthritis can cause permanent joint damage if left untreated.

    • Recognising the early symptoms of arthritis in the hands can help patients receive prompt assessment and treatment before symptoms worsen.

      Common symptoms include:

      • Pain in the fingers, thumb or hand joints
      • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
      • Swelling around the joints
      • Tenderness when gripping or pinching objects
      • Reduced range of movement
      • Weakness when using the hands
      • A grinding or clicking sensation during movement
      • Changes in joint shape or enlargement over time
      • Warmth or redness around affected joints, particularly in inflammatory arthritis

      If symptoms persist, become more frequent or interfere with daily activities, a specialist assessment is recommended. Without appropriate treatment, arthritis may lead to increasing pain, reduced hand function and irreversible joint damage in some forms of the disease.

    • There are several hand arthritis causes, and identifying the underlying condition is essential to selecting the most appropriate treatment.

      Osteoarthritis

      The most common form of hand arthritis, osteoarthritis develops when the protective cartilage covering the ends of bones gradually wears away. Risk factors include:

      • Increasing age
      • Previous hand injuries
      • Repetitive hand movements
      • Family history
      • Obesity

      Rheumatoid arthritis

      Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. It commonly affects both hands symmetrically and may lead to progressive joint damage without treatment.

      Psoriatic arthritis

      Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that can develop in some people with psoriasis. It commonly affects the joints of the fingers and hands, causing pain, stiffness and swelling.

      Gout

      Gout develops when uric acid crystals accumulate within joints, causing episodes of sudden pain, redness and swelling that may occasionally affect the hands.

      Other causes

      Less commonly, hand symptoms may be associated with:

      • Lupus
      • Haemochromatosis
      • Infectious arthritis
      • Previous fractures or ligament injuries

      Because symptoms often overlap, specialist assessment is important to determine the precise cause of hand pain and stiffness.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our Rheumatology consultants begin with a comprehensive consultation to understand your symptoms, medical history, family history and lifestyle before recommending any investigations.

      Depending on your individual circumstances, diagnostic tests may include:

      • Clinical examination to assess joint movement, swelling, tenderness and strength.
      • Blood tests to identify markers of inflammation, autoimmune disease and other potential causes of arthritis.
      • Ultrasound to detect inflammation within joints, tendons and surrounding soft tissues.
      • X-rays to evaluate joint damage, cartilage loss and changes associated with osteoarthritis.
      • MRI scans where more detailed assessment of joints and surrounding structures is required.

      Different forms of arthritis require different investigations, and your consultant may recommend several tests to establish an accurate diagnosis.

    • Reactive arthritis treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, whether an infection is still present, and how much inflammation you have.

      Your personalised treatment plan may include: 

      • Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
      • Pain management strategies 
      • Antibiotics if an active infection is found
      • Corticosteroid injections for affected joints 
      • Physical therapy and rehabilitation 
      • Medicines that help control inflammation if symptoms are ongoing or more severe

      Our rheumatology specialists will tailor treatment to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and support long-term joint health. 

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare London, patients benefit from internationally recognised expertise in rheumatology and inflammatory disease. 

      When you choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare, you benefit from: 

      • Experienced rheumatology consultants
      • Advanced diagnostic testing and imaging
      • Comprehensive reactive arthritis diagnosis
      • Personalised reactive arthritis treatment plans
      • Multidisciplinary collaboration across specialties
      • Consultant-led care focused on long-term wellbeing

      Our approach combines diagnostic precision, evidence-based treatment, and personalised care to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

    Private health insurance 

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Private assessment

    If you are experiencing early symptoms of arthritis in hands or are seeking personalised treatment, book a consultation with one of our rheumatology specialists. 

    To book, call us on +44 (0) 207 871 2575 or fill out our consultation form.

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Anna Nuttall, Consultant Rheumatologist

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    4. Treatment for Arthritis in the Hand