HAND THERAPY TREATMENT

FINGER ARTHRITIS TREATMENT SYDNEY

Conveniently located throughout Sydney.

No Referral Needed

If you have hand-related disorders such as deformity of the hand or experienced any pain and stiffness, you’ve come to the right place.

REFERRAL

Next Available Appointment

IMAGING

Suggestion: X-ray

MANAGEMENT

Thermoplastic lightweight, water proof, removable splint/orthosis to provide biomechanical support and may reduce pain. A program of strengthening and exercises to restore function.

WHAT IS FINGER ARTHRITIS?

Finger arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that can occur in many different ways. It can be systemic where your body will attack itself in the case of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) or it may occur as a result of wear and tear, Osteo Arthritis (OA). While both of these conditions are painful and involve swelling and the de generation of the cartilage insie the joints of the finger, their cause is very different. At Action Rehab our Hand Therapists assess and treat a majority of patients who suffer from Osteo Arthritis (wear and tear of the joints) which often occurs as a result of a sporting or repetitive job or task such as gardening. This type of arthritis is very common and can be easily treated. Finger arthritis is painful and it is debilitating and can cause deformities if left untreated. At Action Rehab our Hand Therapists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists are experienced in reading x-rays and assessing your hand for arthritis and joint degeneration.

WHAT TYPES OF ARTHRITIS TREATMENT DO WE OFFER?

Action Rehab The Hands Physio is experienced in the treatment of hand-related disorders. Our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists have expert training to assist with treating deformity, pain and stiffness that inflammatory disorders can cause.

DIP and PIP Joint Arthritis

Characterised by deformity, swelling, pain, stiffness and achy fingers caused by degeneration of the joint. Often pain in these joints can result in the development of Herbeden’s Node, a painful fluid sack and swelling. Action Rehab can assess and treat the pain and help you manage your symptoms through a variety of techniques including waterproof removable splinting, education, exercises, joint protection techniques and heat treatments.

Ulnar Drift

It may be due to the presence of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA can cause the erosion of tendon and joint cartilage and results in your fingers being pulled towards your little finger (ulna side) of your hand. An MCP ulnar drift splint may help you to reduce your pain, increase your function and help make a fist. A resting night splint can help to prevent further ulnar drift. At Action Rehab we have experience in both of these splints and are here to help you.

Swank Neck Deformity

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Mallet Finger injuries are the most common cause of a Swan Neck deformity as the hyperextended PIP becomes degenerate and needs support and time to rest. Treatment with a splint from Action Rehab may help to realign your finger and fix the deformity.

Thumb Osteoarthritis

A common Osteo Arthritic (OA) condition involving the degeneration of the base of the thumb joint, which can cause significant pain. At Action Rehab our Hand Therapists can provide a small splint and strengthening exercises to reduce pain and swelling, prevent further degeneration of the joint and restore function of the hand.

RHEUMATOLOGICAL CONDITIONS & ARTHRITIS TREATMENT

Rheumatological conditions such as arthritis are common and a major cause of pain and disability in the Australian community. We are highly qualified in hand therapy and are able to provide arthritis treatments, educate and rehabilitate using heat, strengthening and range of motion exercises to improve function.

Call us on (02) 9743 4672 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.

Our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing injuries or conditions related to your hand and upper extremity—encompassing your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand—ensuring that you are well cared for.

At Action Rehab The Hands Physio, our hand therapists are skilled in assessing and treating finger arthritis injuries.

Get on the road to recovery, so you can do the things you love.

FINGER ARTHRITIS TREATMENT

Once a thorough assessment has been made by your Hand Therapist, Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist at Action Rehab then we can start to treat your cause as well as your symptoms.

Symptoms generally include, pain, swelling and deformity.

At Action Rehab we will most often start your treatment in a removable, water resistant, lightweight breathable splint/orthosis/brace to rest the joints and provide support. This customised water resistant and removable brace will be provided at your first visit and made by your Hand Therapist.

Your Action Rehab Hand Therapist will educate you in joint protection techniques that can protect your joints and prevent you from further traumatising your arthritis. Following on from wearing your brace for pain relief, we will advise you on a strengthening and stabilisation exercises to improve your function. This strengthening program is really important even for those patients who may have had a steroid injection to treat the pain.

Depending on your assessment and severity of the symptoms your Action Rehab Hand Therapist will decide how often and when you need to wear your splint/brace. It may only be needed for protection or at night to rest the joints.

Does it require surgery?

Sometimes the joint can be so badly eroded by the arthritis that you may need a surgical opinion. In the rare occasion where surgery may be required, we will be able to advise you on whom the most appropriate surgeon is for you to see.

See below for lightweight splints used for finger arthritis treatment.

Fig 1: Basic Treatment

A stack splint is being used to treat a tendon mallet finger injury. It does not support the DIP and PIP joints of the finger, leading to possible complications.

Fig 2: Action Rehab Treatment

An anti-swan neck splint is being correctly used to treat a tendon mallet finger injury. It shortens the oblique retinaculum ligament allowing the terminal extensor tendon to move back up the finger to heal.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW

The Hands Physio provides assessment and treatment for all conditions relating to the upper limb, including mallet finger. Visit our highly qualified and friendly therapists today at a location convenient to you.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR FINGER ARTHRITIS

Choosing the right Hand Therapist starts with them being able to assess your injury, read your X-rays or Ultrasound and then educate and/or fabricate the right brace for you and your injury. The Hand Therapists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in assessing Jersey Finger and other tendon injuries, reading X-rays, reading Ultrasounds and advising on the most appropriate treatment.

Our therapists regularly host GP and Emergency Doctor training and can advise on the most appropriate action for your Finger arthritis treatment.

Known for providing Hand Therapy treatment for Finger Arthritis and other hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder tendon injuries Action Rehab The Hands Physio are the hand therapists that Sydney trusts.

MALLET FINGER FAQS

How is finger arthritis caused?

It is caused by inflammation and degeneration of the joint that damages the cartilage.

How common is it?

Finger arthritis is very common. It is a “wear and tear” condition and so if we use our hands a lot we are likely to have arthritis.

How long does it take to recover?

We don’t really talk about “recovering” from Finger Athritis because unfortunately once the cartilage is damaged it cannot recover. However the role of the Hand Therapist is to restore function by helping you to decrease your pain, increase your strength and increase your range of motion. This will then help you to “recover” your full function.

Will it require surgery?

Generally no. Surgery is a last resort but again it is important to be assessed early. If there is significant pain, joint instability and loss of function then surgery might be the only option. Your Hand Therapist at Action Rehab can assist you with finding the right surgeon for your condition.

Is it a serious condition?

Finger Arthritis is a painful condition and so it is serious. Generally it is easy to treat so early treatment and strengthening and stabilisation will help control it.

Will a mallet finger go away if left untreated?

In most cases the problem is chronic and needs to be managed as it will not go away. Hand Therapists at Action rehab have the skills and experience to help you manage your symptoms and try to restore your function. Don’t wait for it to “go away”, seek treatment with Action Rehab The Hands Physio.