Arthrosis of the hands. Coloured X-ray of the hands of a patient with arthrosis of the hands. Many of the finger joints are swollen, particularly the ring finger of the left hand and the index and middle fingers of the right hand. Arthrosis is a degenerative joint disease that damages cartilage and bone. As the cartilage is worn away, new bone grows as part of the repair process. This causes stiffness and deformity of the fingers. Treatment is with anti-inflamatory drugs and in severe cases surgery.