The short answer
Wrist and hand arthritis is the wearing of cartilage in the many small joints of the wrist and fingers, causing aching pain, morning stiffness, swelling, and weaker grip. Most people are managed without surgery using splinting, activity modification, hand therapy, anti-inflammatories, and image-guided injections such as cortisone or PRP.
Medically reviewed by Marc Gruner, DO, MBA, RMSK
Sports medicine physician, Mayo Clinic fellowship. Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
The wrist and hand contain many small joints that can develop osteoarthritis as their cartilage thins, whether from prior injury, repetitive use, or aging. The result is aching pain, stiffness that is worst in the morning, swelling, and a grip that tires quickly or feels weak.
Dr. Gruner starts with the least invasive measures — activity and ergonomic changes, custom splinting, hand therapy, and anti-inflammatories — and adds precise, ultrasound-guided injections (cortisone or PRP) for the joints that need them, reserving surgery for advanced cases that no longer respond.
Common symptoms
- Aching pain in the wrist or finger joints
- Morning stiffness
- Swelling around a joint
- Weak or easily fatigued grip
What to expect at your visit
- 1.
A focused conversation
Dr. Gruner reviews your history, prior imaging, and goals — what you want to get back to doing.
- 2.
Point-of-care ultrasound
When useful, a diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound evaluates the injury in real time, with no radiation.
- 3.
A clear, individualized plan
You leave understanding the diagnosis, the non-surgical options, and the expected timeline — in plain language.
Frequently asked questions
- Can hand arthritis be treated without surgery?
- Yes. Most wrist and hand arthritis is managed with splinting, activity and ergonomic changes, hand therapy, anti-inflammatories, and image-guided cortisone or PRP injections. Surgery is reserved for advanced joints that no longer respond to these measures.