Early Signs of Hand Arthritis You're Missing

Arthritis, particularly hand arthritis, is common in older adults. About 50% of women and 25% of men have hand arthritis by the time they reach their 80s — an increase of over 82% since 1990.

Even though it’s common, you might not notice the most minor changes that signal the early stages of arthritis. That’s because hand arthritis can start subtly.

The good news is that catching it early can help you manage symptoms before they worsen. So, how do you know if your symptoms are the early signs of arthritis? 

If you have any type of hand pain or suspect you might be dealing with arthritis, our board-certified surgeons at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services encourage you to visit us in Visalia, Reedley, or Porterville, California. We can evaluate your joints and determine the cause of your symptoms.

In the meantime, here are five early signs of hand arthritis you might miss.

5 early signs of hand arthritis

You might suspect that you have hand arthritis if:

1. Your fingers are stiff when you wake up

If your fingers feel stiff and achy when you wake up and take more than 30 minutes to loosen up, arthritis could be the cause. Unlike regular muscle soreness, this stiffness tends to persist day after day and gradually worsens over time.

You may find that warmth — like from a hot shower — helps soothe stiff joints. Ideally, keep the water temperature between 92 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. It’s harder to open jars, use pens, or hold items in your hands

If you’ve noticed that holding onto objects feels harder or that you’re dropping things more often, don’t brush it off as klutzy or “butter fingers” — arthritis may be affecting your grip. 

Inflammation, pain, and reduced range of motion can make it difficult to maintain grip strength when you have hand arthritis. 

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to decreased grip strength. 

3. Your finger joints are tender

Do your fingers or knuckles look puffy or feel tender to the touch? Walking with your hands down at your side or eating too much salty food can cause finger swelling, but if it happens day after day, you might consider arthritis as the culprit.

In other words, inflammation from arthritis can cause swelling. 

4. You hear clicking when you move your hands

Cartilage acts like a shock absorber in each joint, but if you have osteoarthritis, the cartilage wears down, and your bones rub against each other.  If that happens, you might hear a clicking or popping noise. Some people describe it as a grinding sensation in their joints.

5. Your pain comes and goes

On-again, off-again pain is the most missed sign of hand arthritis. You might assume arthritis pain is constant, but in the early stages, it often comes and goes. 

You may feel fine one day but notice pain after certain activities, like typing, cooking, or writing. 

What to do if you spot these signs

You don’t have to wait for your symptoms to worsen before seeking help. The sooner you see us, the sooner you can start proactive treatments. Physical therapy, for example, can help improve joint flexibility, strengthen the muscles around your joints, and reduce pain. 

Other treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle adjustments, or even advanced options like injections, can also help slow arthritis progression and keep your hands functional. 

What to expect during your arthritis consultation 

When you arrive at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services, our first step is to confirm that arthritis is the source of your symptoms. Other conditions, such as Dupuytren's contracture or trigger finger, can also cause pain and limited mobility in your hand. 

We carefully examine your hand, review your symptoms, and assess diagnostic images to make an accurate diagnosis. We can also determine which type of arthritis you have — rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, or psoriatic, for example. 

From there, we may recommend medication, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or other targeted treatments to help you find relief and improve mobility.

In severe cases, our team may recommend surgery. However, with the right care, you can delay or even avoid surgery by seeking treatment at the earliest signs of arthritis. 

In other words, early intervention for hand arthritis can help you manage your symptoms and preserve joint function.

Don’t let arthritis sneak up on you

If something doesn’t feel right, call the location of your choice or book an appointment online.