Hand arthritis refers to inflammation specifically affecting the joints in the fingers, knuckles, wrists, and other areas of the hand bones. It is a condition that may affect only one hand or both, and it can involve multiple joints at the same time.
When arthritis develops in the hands, it can significantly affect a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, reducing their quality of life.
What is arthritis
Generally speaking, arthritis refers to a group of inflammatory conditions that affect the joints. It can present in different ways, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common types.
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is the most common type and occurs due to progressive wear of the joint cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints and causes inflammation of the joint lining; in severe cases, it may also affect the bones.
Although arthritis can develop in different areas of the body, the hands are one of the most frequently affected regions due to the number of joints they contain and their constant use.
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the hands, but psoriatic arthritis or gout may also develop in this region.
How hand arthritis begins
In the hands, arthritis often starts with mild symptoms that gradually worsen over time. The onset of the condition depends on the particular form of arthritis.
Hand osteoarthritis is often related to aging and the gradual wear of cartilage.
In rheumatoid arthritis, early symptoms may include morning stiffness that improves with movement, but as the condition progresses, episodes of pain and inflammation become more frequent and last longer.
Factors such as family history, previous injuries, or excessive hand use in certain activities or jobs may influence the onset of this condition.
Hand arthritis symptoms
Depending on its underlying cause and each person’s characteristics, symptoms may vary, but commonly include:
- Joint pain: pain in the fingers, knuckles, or wrists is one of the most common symptoms. It may begin mildly and worsen over time, especially during manual activities.
- Stiffness: it is common for people with hand arthritis to experience stiffness, especially after long periods of inactivity.
- Inflammation: affected joints may show redness and swelling; this is more frequent during rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups.
- Loss of strength: arthritis can reduce grip strength and the ability to perform tasks requiring force or precision.
- Deformity: in advanced cases, rheumatoid arthritis can cause deformities in the fingers, such as deviations to one side.
- Reduced mobility: mobility of the hands and fingers may decrease due to pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
These symptoms may be persistent or intermittent depending on the type and progression of the arthritis.
Regardless of whether it affects the hands or any other joint, arthritis has no cure. However, there are several treatment options to control symptoms, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
Treatment may include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, assistive devices, lifestyle changes, or surgery. The choice of treatment must be individualized based on each patient’s needs.
Although hand arthritis can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, an early diagnosis from a rheumatologist and appropriate treatment can help control symptoms and improve hand function.
At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine area and Orthopedics and Traumatology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
Cleveland Clinic, Cigna, MSD Manuals
