Arthritis of Hand Joints Treatment in Sharjah

Living with arthritis in your hands can be a daily struggle, making even the simplest tasks—like turning a doorknob, writing, or opening a jar—painful and difficult. Whether you’re dealing with osteoarthritis (OA) or a form of inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the chronic pain, stiffness, and swelling can significantly impact your quality of life. At Al Resalah Specialty Clinic in Sharjah, we offer a specialized, integrated approach to hand arthritis treatment, combining expert orthopedic consultation with advanced physiotherapy to help you manage your symptoms, preserve joint function, and live a more comfortable life.

 
 

Understanding Hand Arthritis

Arthritis of the hand joints refers to the inflammation of one or more joints in the fingers, thumb, and wrist. The two most common types are:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA): Often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, OA occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. This can lead to bone-on-bone friction, causing pain, swelling, and the formation of bony growths called bone spurs. In the hands, it commonly affects the base of the thumb, the joints closest to the fingertips, and the middle finger joints.

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation. RA can lead to severe pain, swelling, and eventually joint deformity. In the hands, it typically affects the small joints of the fingers and wrists on both sides of the body.

     
     

Our Integrated Treatment Approach

Our goal is to accurately diagnose your condition and provide a personalized treatment plan that focuses on managing your pain, preserving joint mobility, and enhancing your ability to perform daily activities.

Step 1: Expert Orthopedic Consultation and Diagnosis

Your treatment journey begins with a thorough evaluation by our orthopedic specialists. They will:

 

  • Conduct a Physical Examination: Our doctors will carefully examine your hand joints for swelling, redness, and tenderness. They will also assess your range of motion and grip strength.

  • Discuss Your Symptoms: They will ask about the nature of your pain, when it’s most severe, and how it affects your daily life.

  • Utilize Diagnostic Imaging: To confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of joint damage, our specialists may recommend X-rays or other imaging tests. This helps us distinguish between different types of arthritis and create the most effective treatment plan.

     

Step 2: Non-Surgical Treatment and Pain Management

For most patients, our first line of defense involves non-surgical treatments to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. This may include:

  • Medication: We may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. For RA, we may collaborate with a rheumatologist to manage disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to control the underlying autoimmune response.

  • Custom Splinting: We may provide a custom-made splint to support the affected joints, reduce pain, and improve function during specific activities or at night.

  • Corticosteroid Injections: For targeted relief of severe inflammation, a corticosteroid injection directly into the joint can provide significant and lasting pain reduction.

     

Step 3: Advanced Physiotherapy for Hand Arthritis

Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of our hand arthritis treatment. Our skilled physiotherapists will work with you to create a personalized program designed to improve joint function and reduce daily discomfort. Our advanced physiotherapy services include:

  • Pain and Swelling Management: We utilize cutting-edge technologies like therapeutic ultrasound and laser therapy to reduce inflammation and promote healing. We also provide guidance on using hot and cold therapy at home.

  • Manual Therapy: Gentle hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness.

  • Therapeutic Exercises: A program of specific exercises to maintain flexibility, improve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles that support your hand joints. This is vital for preventing joint deformity and improving grip.

  • Joint Protection Techniques: Our therapists will teach you strategies to modify how you perform daily tasks to reduce stress on your painful joints and protect them from further damage. This includes advice on using adaptive equipment and maintaining proper posture.

Step 4: Surgical Intervention (If Required)

In severe cases where non-surgical treatments are no longer effective and joint damage is extensive, our orthopedic specialists may recommend a surgical procedure. Surgical options can range from joint fusion to joint replacement, and our team will work with you to determine the best course of action. Following surgery, a specialized physiotherapy program is crucial for a full and successful recovery, and our team will be with you every step of the way.

Why Choose Al Resalah Specialty Clinic?

  • Expert Team: Our orthopedic doctors and physiotherapists are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hand and wrist conditions, including various forms of arthritis.

  • Integrated Care: We offer a seamless, collaborative approach between our medical and rehabilitative teams, ensuring a comprehensive and effective treatment plan.

  • Personalized Treatment: We understand that every case of arthritis is unique. Our plans are customized to your specific needs, symptoms, and lifestyle goals.

  • Advanced Technology: Our clinic is equipped with the latest diagnostic and therapeutic tools to provide you with the highest standard of care.

     

Don’t let arthritis of the hand joints limit your life. Contact Al Resalah Specialty Clinic in Sharjah today to schedule your orthopedic consultation and take the first step toward finding relief and restoring your hand’s function.