Osteoarthritis of the Hands

About half of all women and one-quarter of all men will experience the stiffness and pain of osteoarthritis of the hands  by the time they are 85 years old. Also known as “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis causes the smooth, protective cartilage on the ends of your bones to break down and wear away. Over time bones rub together, causing pain. The treatments for osteoarthritis include NSAIDs/pain meds, physical therapy, cortisone injections, and in certain instances surgery to relieve symptoms of pain and stiffness.