Hand Arthritis Treatment in Naples, Florida

Hand arthritis is one of the most common causes of hand pain and stiffness, especially as we age. Because we rely on our hands for nearly every daily activity — gripping, lifting, typing, cooking, and more — arthritis can quickly interfere with comfort, mobility, and independence. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty using your hands, you may be dealing with arthritis in one or more of the hand joints.

As a fellowship‑trained hand and upper extremity surgeon in Naples, Florida, Dr. Carmella Fernandez provides advanced, personalized treatment for all forms of hand arthritis. Her goal is to relieve pain, restore function, and help you return to the activities you enjoy.

What Is Hand Arthritis?

Hand arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down or becomes damaged. Without this protective layer, the bones rub against each other, causing pain, inflammation, and reduced motion.

The most common types of hand arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis – Age‑related “wear‑and‑tear” arthritis that commonly affects the base of the thumb (CMC joint), finger joints, and knuckles.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joint lining.
• Post‑traumatic arthritis – Develops after a fracture, sprain, or ligament injury.
• Psoriatic arthritis – Associated with psoriasis and can affect multiple joints in the hand.

Hand arthritis can progress gradually or develop after an injury, and symptoms often worsen over time without treatment.

Common Symptoms of Hand Arthritis

Patients with hand arthritis may experience:

• Aching or sharp pain in the fingers, thumb, or knuckles
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Swelling or tenderness around the joints
• Reduced grip strength
• Difficulty opening jars or holding objects
• Clicking, grinding, or locking sensations
• Visible changes such as enlarged knuckles or deformity

If these symptoms interfere with your daily activities, it may be time to see a specialist.

How Hand Arthritis Is Diagnosed

Dr. Fernandez performs a thorough evaluation to determine the type and severity of arthritis. Diagnosis may include:

• A detailed medical history
• Physical examination of the hand and wrist
• X‑rays to assess joint space and bone changes
• Advanced imaging (if needed) to evaluate cartilage and soft tissue

Accurate diagnosis is essential for choosing the most effective treatment plan.

Nonsurgical Treatments

Dr. Fernandez offers a full range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. Whenever possible, she begins with conservative, non‑invasive options.

Many patients find relief through:

• Splinting or bracing to support painful joints
• Anti‑inflammatory medications
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Hand therapy to improve strength and mobility
• Heat or cold therapy
• Activity modification to reduce strain
• Topical anti‑inflammatory creams

These treatments can significantly reduce pain and improve function.

Surgical Options

If nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective, Dr. Fernandez may recommend one of several advanced surgical procedures:

• Thumb CMC arthroplasty – A highly effective surgery for base‑of‑thumb arthritis
• Joint fusion (arthrodesis) – Eliminates pain by stabilizing the joint
• Joint replacement (arthroplasty) – Restores motion using an artificial implant
• Synovectomy – Removes inflamed tissue in rheumatoid arthritis
• Debridement – Cleans the joint to reduce pain and improve movement

The right procedure depends on the affected joint, severity of arthritis, and your lifestyle goals.

When to See a Hand Specialist

You should schedule an appointment if you experience:

• Persistent hand or thumb pain
• Difficulty gripping, pinching, or lifting objects
• Swelling that does not improve
• Loss of motion or strength
• Pain that interferes with work, hobbies, or daily tasks
• Symptoms that worsen over time

Early treatment can slow progression and help preserve hand function.

Expert Hand Arthritis Care in Naples, Florida

Patients throughout Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Marco Island trust Dr. Carmella Fernandez for her expertise in diagnosing and treating hand arthritis. With advanced training in hand and upper extremity surgery, she provides compassionate, individualized care designed to relieve pain and restore mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the early signs of hand arthritis?

Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced grip strength, and difficulty performing daily tasks such as opening jars or gripping objects.

2. What treatments are available for hand arthritis?

Dr. Fernandez offers splinting, medications, injections, hand therapy, and advanced surgical options such as joint replacement or fusion.

3. Can hand arthritis be cured?

While arthritis cannot be reversed, symptoms can be effectively managed with proper treatment to improve comfort and function.

4. When should I consider surgery for hand arthritis?

Surgery is recommended when pain persists despite conservative treatment or when joint damage significantly limits daily activities.