Arthritis is a medical condition that affects the joints and causes inflammation and pain in them. One of the common areas where arthritis affects people is their hands.

Hand arthritis can occur in one or more of the joints in your hands and can cause significant discomfort and inability to use your hands properly. In this article, we will understand more about arthritis in the hands and how to deal with hand pain caused by arthritis.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a term that is used to describe a group of medical conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. There are many types of arthritis that can affect people, but the most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that occurs due to wear and tear on joints over time, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints.

: Types of Hand Arthritis

Hand arthritis can be classified into different types. Some of the common types of hand arthritis are:.

Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage in the joints, which leads to the bones rubbing against each other. This condition can lead to pain, stiffness, and loss of flexibility in the hands.
Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the joints in the hands and other parts of the body. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
Psoriatic arthritis: This type of arthritis is associated with psoriasis, which is a skin condition that causes red patches on the skin. The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, and it can affect any joint in the body, including hands.
Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs due to an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The condition can cause sudden, intense pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, including the hands.

: Symptoms of Hand Arthritis

The symptoms of hand arthritis can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some of the common symptoms of hand arthritis are:.

Pain in the joints, especially during movement
Stiffness in the joints, which can make it difficult to move the fingers
Swelling in the joints, which can make the fingers look and feel puffy
Weakness in the hands, which can make it difficult to grip objects
A popping or cracking sound when moving the fingers
Changes in the shape of the joints, which can make the fingers look deformed

: Diagnosis of hand arthritis

Diagnosing hand arthritis involves a physical examination of the hands and joints, as well as tests such as X-rays, blood tests, or a joint fluid analysis to check for signs of inflammation or damage.

The doctor may also ask about the patient’s medical history and family history of arthritis to understand the cause and severity of the condition.

: Treatment for Hand Arthritis

Treatment for hand arthritis depends on the severity of the condition and the type of arthritis. Some of the common treatment options for hand arthritis are:.

Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce the pain and swelling caused by arthritis.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help improve the range of motion in the hands and reduce stiffness and pain in the joints.
Splints: Wearing splints or braces on the affected joints can help reduce the strain on them and improve flexibility.
Corticosteroids: Corticosteroid injections into the affected joints can help reduce swelling and inflammation and provide relief from pain and stiffness.
Surgery: In severe cases of hand arthritis, surgery may be required to replace or repair the damaged joints.

: Preventing Hand Arthritis

There are some ways to reduce the risk of developing hand arthritis. Some of them are:.

Maintaining a healthy weight
Staying physically active to keep the joints flexible and healthy
Avoiding repetitive motions that strain the hands and fingers
Taking breaks during activities that involve using the hands, such as typing or playing instruments

: Conclusion

Hand arthritis can be a painful and limiting condition, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to manage the symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.

A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent arthritis and other joint conditions. If you experience any symptoms of hand arthritis, it is important to seek medical attention to get a proper diagnosis and start treatment.