Arthritis is a rather common condition; it affects millions of people worldwide. But if it attacks the hands, ordinary results may quite handily be disastrous. The hands are complex structures with a large number of joints, and arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness that make even the simplest of tasks hard to carry out. This blog explores symptoms, causes, types, and treatment options for arthritis in hands and extends vital insight into what those who are fighting the condition could face.
Understanding Arthritis In Hands
Arthritis in hands is the inflammation of the joints inside the hand. The arthritis in hands symptom is attributed to pain, swelling, and impairment of functional ability. The hands are actually quite vulnerable to arthritis since they house many small joints that are put to frequent use. Over time, this wear and tear results in the breakdown of cartilage, which eventually leads to the development of arthritis.
Types Of Arthritis Affecting The Hands
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis arthritis hands generally result from age or maybe even repeated use of the hands. It happens with the wearing down of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones through time until, eventually, bone meets bone. This may cause aching bones in the hands, swelling, and reduced joint mobility. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the base of the thumb, the ends of the fingers, and the middle joints of the fingers.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints. Other than wear and tear, which causes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis may occur at any time in life and frequently affects both hands symmetrically. RA causes inflammation that may result in finger joint pain, swelling, and eventually deformity. This could eventually lead to the destruction of the cartilage and bone within the joints with time.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, is a type of arthritis associated with the skin condition psoriasis, which is characterized by red, scaly patches. Psoriatic arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in and around the joints. The fingers and the joints closest to the nails are commonly affected. In some patients, the PsA will also lead to a condition called dactylitis, a swelling of the fingers or toes, giving them the appearance of sausages.
Symptoms Of Arthritis In Hands
Pain
Pain is the first and most obvious symptom of arthritis in the hands. It ranges from an ache or a burning feeling to sharp, intense pain, especially when trying to accomplish hand activities like gripping or pinching. The pain can be constant or come and go. It is usually worse with movement or after periods of not moving.
Swelling
Another common symptom is swelling around the joints of the hands. This may be due to extra fluid being produced by the lining of the joint, acting in response to inflammation. Swelling can make the joints appear larger and may limit the range of motion.
Changes In Surrounding Joints
Eventually, any type of arthritis can lead to apparent changes in the shape of the joint. The eventual outcome is a deformed joint with a crooked finger; this alteration might be more obvious in rheumatoid arthritis than in osteoarthritis.
Warmth
An inflamed joint generally feels warm. This is due to the greater quantity of blood delivered at the site as part of the body’s effort to fight the inflammation.
Crepitus And Looseness
Crepitus is the actual grinding or crunching sound one feels when the joints are moved. This usually results from the rough surfaces of the bones rubbing together because of worn-out cartilage between the joint bones. Sometimes, the joints may feel a bit loose or unstable, especially if it is an advanced case of arthritis.
Cysts
Small cysts, usually called mucous cysts, may occur near any affected joint, most commonly at the fingertips. These usually do not cause problems but can become painful if they press on nerves or other structures in the hand.
Diagnosing Arthritis In Hands
Diagnosis of arthritis in hands is made by combining findings from medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. During the physical examination, the doctor will examine and feel the joints that are afflicted with swelling, warmth, and deformity. Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound can help to present detailed pictures of the joint that could show cartilage, bone, and soft tissue damage. Blood tests can be given to look for markers of inflammation or autoimmune activity, especially in rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
What Causes Arthritis in hands
Causes of arthritis in hands are numerous and depend on the type. In a nutshell, causes related to osteoarthritis concern natural wear and tear of the joints over time, which is enhanced by several factors, including the patient’s age, repetitive motions of the hand, or previous injuries. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune response in which an organism will attack its tissues. The exact aetiology of this autoimmune reaction is not established, but it is generally regarded as the consequence of genetic and environmental factors. Likewise, psoriatic arthritis is linked to autoimmune processes and has the tendency to occur in individuals with a history of psoriasis.
Treatment Options For Arthritis in hands
Pain Medication
Generally, arthritis pain and inflammation are treated with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin. If simple medication is not sufficient to control the condition, a number of prescription medications are also available, including stronger NSAIDs and corticosteroids.
Exercises
Only by performing regular exercises of your hands, the joint flexibility, the power of muscles around the joints, and stiffness can be minimized. Besides, some simple exercises like clenching your fist, stretching your fingers, and moving your thumbs can be done every day to keep your hands active and pain-free.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Another aspect of arthritis in fingers treatment is lifestyle modification. Devices which reduce the workload of the joints, like jar openers and ergonomic devices, are helpful. Rest periods while doing activities also prevent overuse of the hands and reduce pain.
Dietary Changes
Anti-inflammatory intake of food may help in alleviating the symptoms that come with arthritis. Foods with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, reduce inflammation. Also, to be on the safe side of keeping the inflammation at bay, one needs to avoid processed foods, sugary snacks, and excess red meat.
Surgery
Surgery can also be an option for hands experiencing severe arthritis, or when the symptoms cannot be managed with above non-surgical treatments. Among the procedures to be carried out are joint fusion, joint replacement, or removal of inflamed tissue. These various forms of surgery relieve pain, restore hand function, and prevent further deformity of the joints.
Hand Therapy
Arthritis in hands can also be treated with hand therapy in terms of physical as well as occupational therapy. The patient will be attended by different therapists who will help in designing an exercise program for him. They will also offer splints as well as other interventions that will help in managing pain and helping the patient retain hand function.
Steroid Shots
Corticosteroid shots injected directly into the afflicted joints can ease temporary pain as well as inflammation. These injections are often kept for the worst cases, and a health professional does it.
Conclusion
Arthritis in hands is a condition that can badly affect daily living, but proper management may allow the symptoms to be moderated and hence permit one to enjoy life. Understanding the types of arthritis, watching for signs and symptoms, and finding out treatment options are some of the necessary steps toward properly dealing with the condition. By using medication like Three60’s pain relief tablet & gel combo, lifestyle changes, surgery or home remedies for arthritis in hands, you are still able to enjoy your life!
FAQs
1) What are the early symptoms of arthritis in hands?
The early signs and symptoms that one might come across with respect to arthritis in the hands are pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, especially after periods of rest. You may also experience a loss in grip strength or clumsiness while performing fine motor tasks.
2) How can I manage aching bones in my hands at home?
Home remedies for arthritis in hands include regular exercising of the hands, heat or cold application, over-the-counter pain relievers, and lifestyle changes.
3) What non-surgical treatments are available for arthritis in the fingers?
The medical treatment for arthritis of the fingers is non-surgical. It includes pain medications, hand exercises, dietary changes, hand therapy, and injections of corticosteroids. These can be considered in order to help with pain management and reduction of inflammation, hence improving joint function.
4) Are there specific exercises that help alleviate finger joint pain?
Exercise may treat the pain in fingers like stretching fingers, making a fist, and moving thumbs to help reduce joint pain of fingers. They increase flexibility, build the muscles around the joints, and decrease stiffness, hence enabling one to easily carry on various daily tasks.
