Medically reviewed by: Mark A. Yaffe, MD, certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, subspecialty certified in hand surgery. Last reviewed: October 5, 2026
HAND & FINGER ARTHRITIS TREATMENT Near you
Hand & Finger Arthritis Treatment in Greater Chicago
Dr. Mark Yaffe(opens in a new tab) is an orthopedic specialist with a subspecialty focus on hand and wrist conditions, including arthritis of the hand and fingers. Stiff, swollen or aching finger joints can make buttoning a shirt, opening a jar or gripping a tool harder than it should be. Dr. Yaffe’s goal is to relieve that pain and keep your hands working with the least invasive approach that will work for you.
Whether you are noticing early stiffness or have lived with painful joints for years, Dr. Yaffe offers a thorough evaluation and a plan matched to which joints are affected and how advanced the arthritis is. As part of his broader hand and wrist care(opens in a new tab), he starts with non-surgical treatment, including injections for arthritis, and offers surgical options when they are the right next step.
Dr. Yaffe takes the time to listen to your concerns and explains your options so you can decide what fits your goals. If you are ready to find relief with one of the hand & wrist doctors serving Schaumburg(opens in a new tab), Buffalo Grove(opens in a new tab), and Elk Grove Village(opens in a new tab), request your first appointment with Dr. Yaffe today.
Joint Pain, Stiffness & Bony Bumps in the Fingers
Signs and Symptoms of Hand and Finger Arthritis
Arthritis in the hand happens when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down or the joints become inflamed. Osteoarthritis from wear and tear is the most common type, and common signs include:
- Joint pain and aching: Soreness in the finger joints or knuckles, often felt with use and sometimes at rest or at night.
- Pain commonly flares with gripping, pinching, writing or other repetitive hand tasks.
- Stiffness: Joints that feel stiff after waking or after sitting still, and difficulty fully bending the fingers or making a fist.
- Swelling and tenderness: Puffy, tender joints that can look larger than before, sometimes with warmth.
- Bony bumps and changes in shape: Hard lumps near the middle or end joints of the fingers, and fingers that gradually drift or look crooked.
- Weak grip and reduced function: Trouble holding objects, turning keys or doing fine tasks because the joints hurt or no longer move well.
- Inflammatory types such as rheumatoid arthritis often affect both hands and the knuckles, and may need coordinated care, which is one reason accurate diagnosis matters.
SPLINTS, INJECTIONS & FINGER JOINT SURGERY OPTIONS
Hand & Finger Arthritis Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on which joints are affected, how advanced the arthritis is, and how much it limits your daily life. In many cases, non-surgical treatment is all that is required. Dr. Yaffe’s options include:
- Non-surgical care: Splinting or bracing, anti-inflammatory medication, activity changes, hand therapy, and injections for arthritis in the hands. These measures aim to relieve pain and keep the joints moving, and they can be effective, particularly in earlier stages.
- Surgical treatment: When non-surgical measures no longer control pain, surgery can relieve pain and restore function in the affected joint. The specific procedure depends on which joint is involved, how advanced the arthritis is, and your goals.
- Joint Replacement Surgery(opens in a new tab): By replacing damaged cartilage and bone in the finger or hand joint, Dr. Yaffe is able to restore function and reduce the impact of degenerative conditions, with a removable splint instead of a cast afterward.
- Biologic Injection Therapy(opens in a new tab): Orthobiologic injections, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), can be considered for some patients with early arthritis. Whether this is a good fit for your hand depends on your exam and imaging.
Surgery is considered when pain continues despite non-surgical treatment and limits what you need to do each day. There is no single right time, and Dr. Yaffe will walk through your options with you. This page is for education and does not replace an examination, so an in-person evaluation is the way to confirm your diagnosis and the best plan for you.
About your surgeon. Dr. Mark A. Yaffe is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in orthopaedic surgery, with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He earned his M.D. at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, completed his orthopaedic residency at Northwestern, and trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at The Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. He was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2026 and a Chicago Magazine Top Doctor in 2025. Read Dr. Yaffe's full bio.(opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes arthritis in the hands and fingers?
The most common cause is osteoarthritis, in which the cartilage cushioning a joint gradually wears down with age and use. A previous fracture or joint injury, a family history of arthritis, and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can also play a role. Dr. Yaffe evaluates each patient to understand which type of arthritis is involved.
Which joints of the hand are most often affected by arthritis?
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the joint at the base of the thumb, the joint closest to the fingertip and the middle joint of the fingers. Rheumatoid arthritis more often involves the knuckles and tends to affect both hands. Knowing which joints are involved helps Dr. Yaffe choose the right treatment.
How is hand arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with your history and a hands-on exam of the joints, including checking swelling, motion, strength and tenderness. X-rays show how much cartilage has worn away and whether there are bone spurs or joint changes. If an inflammatory type of arthritis is suspected, further testing or coordination with other specialists may be recommended.
Can hand and finger arthritis be treated without surgery?
Often, yes. In many cases, non-surgical treatment is all that is required, including splinting or bracing, anti-inflammatory medication, activity changes, hand therapy and injections for arthritis. These options cannot reverse arthritis, but they can reduce pain and help you keep using your hands comfortably.
Do injections help arthritis in the hands?
Injections can reduce inflammation and ease pain for some patients, but the relief varies from person to person and is often temporary. They do not repair worn cartilage. Dr. Yaffe can explain whether an injection makes sense for you, and which type, based on your exam and X-rays.
When should I consider surgery or joint replacement for finger arthritis?
Surgery is worth discussing when pain persists despite non-surgical treatment and interferes with daily tasks, work, hobbies or sleep, or when a joint has become very stiff or deformed. For some joints, joint replacement surgery(opens in a new tab) can restore function and reduce pain. Dr. Yaffe reviews the expected benefits and risks with you so you can make an informed decision before moving forward.
What can I expect during recovery from hand arthritis surgery?
Recovery depends on which joint was treated and the procedure performed. Dr. Yaffe will give you specific instructions for protecting the hand, when to begin moving the fingers, and when to return to your usual activities. A removable splint is often used instead of a cast, and many patients work with Certified Hand Therapists to regain motion and strength. Recovery timelines vary from patient to patient.
How can I get started with the best hand and wrist specialist near me?
At Dr. Yaffe’s practice, we want it to be as easy as possible to get started on your road to relief. Just use our simple online appointment request(opens in a new tab) tool, and it helps to note which joints hurt most and when symptoms are worst.
Get Your Hand Arthritis Evaluated by a Hand & Wrist Specialist
Expert Orthopedic Care from Mark A. Yaffe, M.D.