Wrist and Hand Osteoarthritis

Wrist and Hand Osteoarthritis: Non-Surgical Treatment in Palm Beach

Osteoarthritis of the wrist and hand joints is a common cause of chronic hand pain, stiffness, and reduced grip function. It affects the radiocarpal wrist joint, the intercarpal joints, the CMC joint at the base of the thumb, and the knuckle joints of the fingers.

For appropriately selected patients, image-guided orthobiologic injection into affected hand and wrist joints offers a precision approach to managing arthritis symptoms at Palm Beach Regenerative. Contact us to schedule your consultation.

What Is Wrist and Hand Osteoarthritis?

Hand and wrist OA produces the characteristic joint pain, stiffness, bony enlargement, and reduced function that impacts fine motor activities, grip, and daily hand use. The small joints of the hand are accessible to precise ultrasound-guided injection, making this a condition well-suited for the Palm Beach Regenerative approach.

Signs and Symptoms

• Joint pain in the wrist, fingers, or thumb base with use
• Morning stiffness in the hands lasting 30 minutes or less
• Bony enlargements at finger joints (Heberden's or Bouchard's nodes)
• Reduced grip and pinch strength
• Pain with fine motor tasks such as writing or buttoning clothing

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Age-related joint degeneration
• Prior hand or wrist injuries
• Repetitive hand use in occupation or sport
• Genetic predisposition to hand OA, particularly in women
• Inflammatory arthritis transitioning to secondary OA

How It Is Diagnosed

X-rays show joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation in affected hand and wrist joints. Ultrasound allows simultaneous assessment and guidance for injection into small hand joints.

Conventional Treatment Options

• Activity modification and hand splinting
• Hand therapy and joint protection strategies
• NSAIDs and topical anti-inflammatories
• Intra-articular steroid injections
• Surgical joint fusion or arthroplasty for advanced cases

The Palm Beach Regenerative Approach

Dr. Ghattas uses real-time ultrasound guidance to deliver targeted orthobiologic injection precisely into the affected hand and wrist joints, providing a biological stimulus to the joint environment and reducing arthritis-driven inflammation.

These treatments do not regenerate cartilage but may meaningfully improve pain and function in appropriately selected patients with mild to moderate hand OA.

The BioMod Advantage: MLS Robotic Laser Therapy applied to the hands and wrists reduces arthritic joint inflammation and improves hand function. Xymogen joint support and anti-inflammatory protocols provide daily systemic support for arthritic hand joints, making your treatment plan comprehensive.

Like all medical procedures, orthobiologic treatments have potential risks and benefits. Results vary by individual. Not all patients are candidates. Dr. Ghattas will discuss your specific situation, realistic expectations, and all treatment options, including when surgery or other interventions may be more appropriate.