Best Arthritis of Hand Treatment in Altrincham, UK
Regain Function and Comfort with Expert Hand Arthritis Treatment
Arthritis of the hand can significantly impact your daily life, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. At Bollin Clinic in Altrincham, we provide comprehensive treatment options to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Our expert team understands the complex nature of hand arthritis and offers personalised care tailored to your specific needs.
What is Arthritis of Hand?
Arthritis of the hand is a condition that can affect multiple joints in your hands and wrists. Also known as Rheumatoid Arthritis when it results from an autoimmune response, this condition occurs when the body's cells attack its own tissues. It can cause pain, swelling, inflammation, restriction of movement, and destruction of joint surfaces, significantly impacting your ability to perform everyday tasks.
Signs and Symptoms of Hand Arthritis
Early arthritis of the hand tends to affect your smaller joints first, particularly the joints that attach your fingers to your hands. Recognising the symptoms early can help ensure timely treatment:
- Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity
- Tender, warm, swollen joints
- The joints may be warmer and show colour changes related to inflammation
- Fatigue, fever and loss of appetite
- Pain that interferes with daily activities
As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the wrists, and in most cases, symptoms occur in the same joints on both sides of your body.
What Are the Benefits of Hand Arthritis Treatment?
- Significant reduction in pain and inflammation
- Improved hand function and grip strength
- Enhanced quality of life and ability to perform daily activities
- Prevention of further joint damage and deformity
- Restored independence in personal care and work activities
Am I a Good Candidate for Hand Arthritis Treatment in Altrincham?
If you're experiencing persistent hand pain, stiffness, or swelling that interferes with your daily activities, you may be a suitable candidate for hand arthritis treatment in Altrincham. Our experienced team will carefully evaluate your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle during your consultation to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for you.
Anyone can develop hand arthritis, though it's more common in certain groups. On average, 1 in 100 people have rheumatoid arthritis. It can affect patients from 6 months of age to over 80 years old, with the peak age being in the fifth decade of life. Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
What is the Process for Hand Arthritis Treatment in Altrincham?
At Bollin Clinic, we provide a comprehensive approach to hand arthritis treatment in Altrincham. Our experienced team is here to support you at every step — from your initial consultation through to ongoing management of your condition.
Consultation & Assessment
Your journey with hand arthritis treatment in Altrincham begins with a thorough consultation. During this session, our specialist will assess your medical history, understand your symptoms, and design a personalised treatment plan. We may refer you to a rheumatologist for further evaluation if necessary.
- Detailed medical history and symptom assessment
- Physical examination of affected joints
- Imaging studies if required (X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound)
- Blood tests to confirm diagnosis
Treatment Options
Hand arthritis treatment in Altrincham can vary depending on the severity of your condition and your individual needs. Treatment options may include:
- Non-surgical treatments (medication, physiotherapy, splinting)
- Steroid injections for inflammation relief
- Joint replacement surgery for severe cases
- Arthrodesis (joint fusion) procedures
- Tendon reconstruction surgery
Recovery & Ongoing Care
Following your hand arthritis treatment in Altrincham, recovery time will depend on the type of treatment received. For surgical procedures, you'll be in the hospital for a few days, and you can expect some pain and soreness, but medications will help control that.
- Physical therapy plan to restore function and strength
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress
- Within 3 to 6 weeks, gradual return to normal activities
- Long-term management strategies for ongoing joint health
Our team is committed to ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome from your hand arthritis treatment in Altrincham. Regular follow-up appointments will help us monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Risk Factors for Hand Arthritis
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Risk Factor
Age - while arthritis can affect anyone, the risk increases with age, particularly after 50.
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Risk Factor
Gender - women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men.
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Risk Factor
Family history - genetics can play a role in developing certain types of arthritis.
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Risk Factor
Previous joint injuries - trauma to joints can increase the risk of developing arthritis later.
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Risk Factor
Smoking - tobacco use can increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
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Risk Factor
Obesity - excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints.
See our faqs
Arthritis of Hand Treatment – Your Questions Answered
What causes arthritis of the hand?
Experts don't know the causes of many forms of arthritis. However, we do know that some types are caused by autoimmune responses, while others may result from wear and tear, genetics, or previous injuries to the joints.
Who is most likely to develop hand arthritis?
Anyone can get arthritis. On average, 1 in 100 people have rheumatoid arthritis. It's not related to age, as patients from 6 months to over 80 years can develop it. The peak age is in the fifth decade, and more women than men develop it.
Which joints are most commonly affected?
While almost any joint can be affected, the most common ones are the small joints in the hands and feet. Early arthritis tends to affect smaller joints first, particularly those connecting fingers to hands.
How is hand arthritis diagnosed?
Arthritis is a clinical diagnosis made by your specialist based on your medical history and physical examination findings. Additional tests like blood work and imaging may be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment approach.
What are the early signs and symptoms of hand arthritis?
Early symptoms include joint pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), swelling, and reduced range of motion. You may also notice difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning clothes or opening jars, and some people experience warmth or tenderness in affected joints.
What treatment options are available for hand arthritis?
Treatment options include medications (anti-inflammatories, disease-modifying drugs), physical therapy, occupational therapy, splinting, steroid injections, and in severe cases, surgical interventions. The best approach depends on the type and severity of arthritis.
Can hand arthritis be prevented?
While you can't prevent all types of arthritis, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, protecting your joints from injury, eating a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, and avoiding smoking.
How Much Does Hand Arthritis Treatment Cost in Altrincham?
The cost of hand arthritis treatment in Altrincham can vary based on multiple factors, including the complexity of your condition, the type of treatment required, and any specific medical requirements you may have. Treatment costs can range from conservative management options to more complex surgical interventions.
At Bollin Clinic, we take a personalised approach to treatment planning. During your consultation, you'll receive a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your individual treatment plan and needs. We believe in transparent pricing and will discuss all associated costs upfront.
What Does the Cost of Hand Arthritis Treatment Include?
When you choose to have your hand arthritis treatment at Bollin Clinic, your fees cover a comprehensive range of services to ensure effective and ongoing care:
- Comprehensive consultation and diagnosis
- Treatment planning and specialist assessments
- Surgical procedures (if required) including anaesthetist fees
- Hospital stay and theatre costs (for surgical cases)
- Post-treatment physiotherapy and rehabilitation support
- Ongoing follow-up appointments and monitoring
The team at Bollin Clinic in Altrincham is committed to providing comprehensive care for hand arthritis. From initial assessment through to long-term management, we ensure you receive the highest standard of treatment with ongoing support for optimal outcomes.