Treating Finger Arthritis: A Look at Microsurgical Joint Repair

Finger arthritis may not sound as serious as hip or knee arthritis, but that doesn’t mean it’s just a minor inconvenience. Without treatment, finger arthritis can affect your ability to perform everyday tasks, from holding a pen and lifting a mug to buttoning a shirt. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults suffers from arthritis, and finger joints are among the most commonly affected areas.

“Many of my patients come in thinking they just have to live with the pain,” shares Dr. Ajul Shah, a fellowship-trained hand surgeon at The Center for Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery. “But advances in microsurgery mean that relief and restored function are absolutely possible.”

What Causes Finger Arthritis?

Finger arthritis occurs when the cartilage within the finger joints breaks down and the bones begin to rub against one another, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted motion. You may notice your finger joints look knobby or misshapen over time. It’s often caused by:

• Osteoarthritis: The wear-and-tear form of arthritis, which typically affects older adults
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Often develops after fractures, dislocations, or injuries
• Inflammatory arthritis: Chronic autoimmune conditions that can cause joint inflammation in the fingers, such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.

If you're wondering whether you can have arthritis in one finger, the answer is yes, it's entirely possible. Some patients notice symptoms isolated to a single joint, especially if it has been injured in the past.

When Is It Time to Consider Surgery?

Non-surgical treatments—like splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and occupational therapy—are typically the first line of defense for finger arthritis. But if those methods stop working or your symptoms continue to worsen, it may be time to consider surgical intervention.

You may be a candidate for surgery if:

• Conservative care no longer provides relief
• Imaging, such as X-rays, confirms cartilage loss or bone spurs
• Pain interferes with sleep or daily activities
• You experience joint deformity or instability

“Pain is personal,” explains Dr. Shah. “We don’t rush into surgery, but we do encourage it when arthritis begins to take a serious toll on quality of life. Surgical options can relieve pain and improve hand function for many patients.”

What Is the New Treatment for Finger Arthritis?

Microsurgical joint repair is a highly specialized procedure that allows surgeons to restore function to the small joints of the fingers with extreme precision. Using magnification and specialized tools, the surgeon can reconstruct or replace the damaged joint, depending on how severe the arthritis is.

Microsurgery offers several benefits, including:

• Improved precision and cosmetic outcomes
• Minimal disruption to surrounding tissues
• Restored joint mobility and flexibility

Surgery aims to reduce pain, restore movement, and help patients regain independence in their daily lives. After surgery, you’ll likely need a splint or cast, and your recovery plan will include hand therapy to improve range of motion and build strength. 

In addition to the new microsurgical joint repair technique, joint denervation has also been a treatment option for many. Commonly recommended for patients who still have good joint stability and motion but experience daily pain, the procedure interrupts pain signals from the affected joint without removing the joint or fusing bones. 

Our Approach at HUES

At The Center for Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons specialize in offering patients solutions to chronic finger joint pain. We personalize each treatment plan based on the type of arthritis, the severity of joint damage, and the patient’s lifestyle.

We also provide on-site hand therapy to guide post-surgical recovery, a supportive, compassionate care environment, and access to the latest diagnostic and surgical innovations. Our team is dedicated to helping patients find lasting relief, whether they’re newly diagnosed or have been living with symptoms for years.

See if Microsurgical Joint Repair is Right For You

If you’re searching for answers to questions like how to heal arthritis in your fingers or what the new treatment for finger arthritis is, microsurgical joint repair may be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.

“As surgeons, our job isn’t just to treat the joint—it’s to help people get back to doing the things they love,” says Dr. Shah. “We work with each patient to understand their goals and build a treatment plan that fits their life.”

No one should have to live with painful, stiff fingers. Request an appointment with The Center for Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery to explore your treatment options and learn more about how microsurgery can provide the relief you deserve.

At The Center for Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery, we treat chronic pain in hands, hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder arthritis, nerve injuries, and other common causes of chronic hand pain.

If you are ready to explore surgical options for finger arthritis, contact Dr. Shah and the care team at The Center for Hand & Upper Extremity Surgery, part of The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, for a consultation today.