Rheumatoid Hand & Wrist
Inflammatory arthritis can affect joints, tendons and ligaments throughout the hand and wrist.
How rheumatoid disease affects the hand
Persistent synovial inflammation can damage cartilage, weaken ligaments, alter tendon balance and cause tendon rupture. The wrist, knuckles and finger joints may all be involved.
Symptoms
Pain, swelling, prolonged morning stiffness, reduced grip, deformity and loss of tendon function can occur. Symptoms often affect both hands but not always equally.
Medical treatment
Modern disease-modifying medication is central to controlling rheumatoid arthritis and reducing structural damage. Hand surgery works alongside rheumatology rather than replacing systemic treatment.
Hand therapy and splints
Therapy can support joint protection, maintain motion, improve practical function and provide selected splints during flares or deformity management.
When surgery is considered
Surgery may be discussed for persistent painful synovitis, tendon rupture, severe joint destruction, instability or deformity that interferes with function despite good medical management.
Planning treatment
Priorities are individual. A painful unstable wrist, ruptured tendon or severe finger deformity may require different sequencing depending on the patient’s goals.