What Are Signs Of Arthritis In The Hands

When To See A Healthcare Provider

If you suspect you may have RA or if you have any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider. As mentioned previously, RA can lead to significant issues in the lungs, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels. In fact, it may even lead to death overtime if left untreated.

Fortunately, RA can be effectively treated with the proper medication in a large percentage of individuals. Because of this, it is crucial to be evaluated by a qualified practitioner who is skilled in treating the disease.

Osteoarthritis In Fingers And Joints In Hands

Osteoarthritis is an arthritic condition that affects the whole joint including bone, cartilage, ligaments and muscles. While this form ofarthritis can affect other areas of the body, fingers and hands are very common. In osteoarthritis, the joint at the base of the thumb isoften affected and can result in difficulty gripping or pinching objects. Other finger joints can also be affected and bumps calledHerbedens nodes and Bouchards nodes may appear in the joint at the end of the finger, closest to the nail or the middle joints.

Lumpy Bumpy Swollen Or Red The Signs Are Similar But They Indicate Different Types Of Arthritis Conditions

What happened to your thumb or fingers? Those versatile tools that always enabled you to skillfully button a shirt, open a jar, or tap out your thoughts on a keyboard are now stiff, hurting, and even changing shape.

Arthritis is most likely the problem, and its effects can compromise your independence. “The American College of Rheumatology has a campaign on how arthritis and other rheumatic conditions affect lives, and the symbol is a fork with twisted tines. That sums it up. Using a fork or doing any simple task can become difficult, whether its using your cellphone, typing, grooming, cooking, or eating,” says Dr. Jeffrey Sparks, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a rheumatologist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Womens Hospital.

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How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. It is a lifelong disease with multiple flare-ups and periods of remission . There are various treatment options available to control the progression of the disease and prevent complications. Treatment may usually involve a combination of more than one treatment modality. The treatment options are

• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Steroids: Corticosteroid medications suppress the immune system. They reduce inflammation and pain and delay joint damage.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs : These drugs are effective in the treatment of RA. They suppress inflammation and relieve symptoms. They can slow the progression, prevent joint deformities and decrease the risk of systemic complications. Some commonly prescribed DMARDs are methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and leflunomide .
• Biological modifiers: These are a newer generation of DMARDs and they are usually taken with DMARDs. They suppress inflammation. Some commonly used biological agents are infliximab, rituximab, sarilumab, etc.

Changes In Surrounding Joints

In patients with advanced thumb base arthritis, the neighboring joints may become more mobile than normal.

Thumb extension deformity. This patient has lost mobility at the base of the thumb due to arthritis. The next joint closer to the tip of the thumb has become more mobile than normal to make up for the arthritic joint. Normally, the thumb does not come to a right angle with the rest of the hand.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Arthritis

The symptoms of arthritis vary from person to person. But if you have arthritis, you will almost certainly have symptoms relating to your joints, such as:

• redness and warmth in a joint
• stiffness or reduced movement of a joint

Some people also get other problems outside their joints. Other common symptoms include:

What Does A Meniscus Tear Feel Like

A meniscus tear is knee pain that is sharp, sudden and localized to the point of your damaged meniscus. This pain is heightened with bending or twisting, usually mimicking the action that caused the tear in the first place. Athletes who play fast-paced sports, like football, soccer, and rugby, are most commonly afflicted by meniscus tears.

Before coming into our office, many patients grapple with the question of whether or not they have arthritis or a meniscus tear. The simple answer is that it may be difficult to determine on your own, especially if your meniscus tear is small and the injury itself doesnt stand out as a specific memory. Our highly trained staff will be able to diagnose your problem and work with you to relieve your pain and create a treatment plan that works with your lifestyle. Contact us today!

• Dr. Victor RomanoOrthopaedic Surgeon

• Dr. Maria McGannOrthopaedic Surgeon, Foot and Ankle Surgeon

• Dr. Joseph BrindiseFellowship Trained Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon

• Dr. Jack SongFellowship Trained Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeon

• Knee joint pain that progresses slowly or pain that happens suddenly.
• Your knee locks or sticks when its trying to move.

Pain and swelling are the most common symptoms of arthritis of the knee. Some treatments might reduce the severity of your symptoms or even stall the progression. See your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of knee arthritis.

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Can I Prevent Arthritis

While genetics is a factor in many arthritis diagnoses, there are some ways we can hold off or diminish the impact of arthritis:

• Stay active: exercise helps keep your bones and joints healthy.

• Eat a healthy diet: vitamins and minerals promote bone health, and great nutrition keeps weight down.

• Maintain a healthy weight: obesity is a significant risk factor for arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise helps keep joints healthy.

• Avoid repetitive motions that can cause injury or wear and tear. This includes both work and recreational activities. Physical activity is an excellent way to promote joint health, but be sure to do it safely.

• If you have a joint injury, include a high-quality physical therapy program in your healing process. This helps build strength, boosts mobility, and can help prevent arthritis down the road.

Osteoarthritis Of The Hand

Osteoarthritis often affects three main areas of your hand:

• the base of your thumb
• the joints closest to your fingertips
• the middle joints of your fingers

Your fingers may become stiff, painful and swollen and you may develop bumps on your finger joints. Over time, the pain may decrease and eventually disappear altogether, although the bumps and swelling can remain.

Your fingers may bend sideways slightly at your affected joints or you may develop painful cysts on the backs of your fingers.

In some cases, you may also develop a bump at the base of your thumb where it joins your wrist. This can be painful and you may find it difficult to perform some manual tasks, such as writing, opening jars or turning keys.

Page last reviewed: 19 August 2019 Next review due: 19 August 2022

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Tackling Arthritis In The Hands And Fingers

For most of us, our hands are everything. Theyre how we interact with the world, whether youre holding a pen, baking a cake, or playing tennis or golf. When arthritis slows us down, it can be painful and frustrating. Thats why its essential to find a well-regarded full-service orthopaedics practice for treatment. Countryside Orthopaedics boasts one of the top hand specialists in Northern Virginia. We also offer a top-notch team of hand therapists and physical therapists who can elevate the healing processwhether or not you choose surgery. With an arsenal of proven treatments and prevention strategies, we can get you back to the activities you love, making sure a full life remains within your grasp.

Contact Us

Pain Or Difficulty Gripping

Another common symptom of arthritis is pain or difficulty when gripping that can be more intense during rainy weather. The pain often occurs when people are engaged in relatively common activities like getting dressed, brushing their hair, opening a jar, or lifting something.

The sensation is often described as a dull or burning feeling. It doesnt always show up immediately. Sometimes it might be hours before someone experiences discomfort.

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Ra In Hands: What Hand Joints Are Affected By Rheumatoid Arthritis

Its no fun waking up like this: your hands ache. Your fingers are stiff and sometimes twisted. They may even feel hot and tender to the touch. There is no good hand that isnt plagued by these symptoms. Its another flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis , a malady that can affect any joint in the body, but frequently settles in the hands.

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Can Arthritis In The Hand Be Prevented

Arthritis cant be prevented. However, you can watch for symptoms of arthritis as you age and see your healthcare provider if you notice changes in your joints. You can also take steps to control factors that you can control. Eat healthy to nourish your body and maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight puts more stress on your joints. Dont smoke. Smoking increases your risk of arthritis.

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Hallmark Symptoms Of Ra In The Fingers Thumbs And Wrists

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of RA in the hands can help distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis that affect the hand, such as osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Keep in mind that these symptoms may be accompanied by pain in other joints as well as fever, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell.

What Are The Signs Of Arthritis In The Hands

May 19, 2021

Achy, swollen hands? Stiffness in your wrists? Its common to assume these are symptoms of arthritis. While 40 million Americans suffer from arthritis, its far less frequent in the hands than people expect. Instead, what many mistake for arthritis is actually tendonitis. Let’s look at the difference between arthritis and other conditions, risk factors and treatments.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Arthritis In The Hands

Early symptoms include:

• Dull or burning joint pain, appearing hours or a day after increased use of your hands.
• Morning pain and stiffness in your hand.
• Swollen joints in your hand.

If youve had arthritis in your hand for some time:

• Symptoms are present more often.
• Pain may change from dull ache to sharp pain.
• Pain may wake you up at night.
• Pain may cause you to change the way you use your hand.
• Tissue surrounding your affected joint may become red and tender to the touch.
• Youll feel grating, grinding, cracking or clicking when bending your fingers.
• Your fingers cant fully open and close.
• Small bony nodules form on the middle joint of your fingers or at the top joints of your fingers .
• Your finger joints become large and deformed and abnormally bent, leaving your hands weak and less able to accomplish everyday tasks.

You Are Not Alone: Finding Support For Ra In The Hands

How does RA in your hands and fingers affect your daily life? Has your rheumatologist found the right medication to manage your symptoms? What helps you successfully get through each day? Share your tips and experiences in a comment below or on myRAteam. Youâll be surprised how many other members have similar stories.

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Symptoms Of Psoriatic Arthritis In The Hands

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms can range from mild to severe. Many people experience flare-ups, or periods in which their symptoms are much worse, as well as periods in which symptoms lessen or disappear.

When psoriatic arthritis affects the hands, it tends to affect the joints closest to the nails, which can cause swelling in the fingers. As a result, some people confuse psoriatic arthritis with gout.

The symptoms of arthritis in the hands can disrupt daily life. Psoriatic arthritis may affect one hand more than the other.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in the hands can include any combination of the following:

• stiff, painful finger and hand joints
• swelling along the entire length of the fingers
• swelling that mainly affects the middle finger joint
• abnormal finger joint shape

People can use certain home remedies to relieve the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and prevent the condition from getting worse.

When someone experiences a psoriatic arthritis flare-up, the following home remedies can help:

People with psoriatic arthritis may also notice their symptoms improve if they have a healthful lifestyle, which may include the following factors:

• eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• getting regular exercise

There is not yet a cure for psoriatic arthritis, but biologic and systemic drugs aim to treat the underlying causes.

Biologic drugs are a first-line therapy for many people with a new diagnosis, but they can have severe adverse effects and may not suit everyone.

Talk To Your Doctor About Surgery Options

If pain is unrelenting or there is loss if function in the hands, your rheumatologist may refer you for a surgical evaluation, particularly when theres an anatomic defect that can be corrected, says Dr. Albayda.

Surgery may involve removal of inflamed joint linings, tendon repair, joint fusions, or joint replacements. Depending on the joint involved, the degree of damage, and other factors, you hand surgeon will determine the most appropriate treatment to help correct deformities, relieve pain, or improve function.

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Risk Factors For Hand Arthritis

Risk factors for osteoarthritis in the hand include:

• Age although people of all ages can get arthritis, before age 45 more men develop arthritis than women and more women are impacted than men after the age of 45.
• Trauma people who have broken a bone in their hand, wrist or elbow are at a higher risk for developing osteoarthritis.
• Repetitive movements people who do jobs or activities that require repetitive movement in the hands are more likely to develop hand, wrist or elbow osteoarthritis.
• Joint misalignment excess joint friction from misaligned bones in the hands, wrists or elbows can wear the cartilage in the hand, wrist or elbow down.

Risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis in the hand include:

• Gender women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men.
• Age rheumatoid arthritis in the hand typically develops between the age of 40 and 60.
• Environmental exposures

What Are The Causes Of Hand Arthritis

The exact cause of hand arthritis is unknown. The condition usually develops due to wear and tear of the joint, which occurs gradually over time.

Theres also a genetic component to hand OA. Family members may develop OA at a younger age than the general population, and may have more severe disease.

A healthy joint has cartilage at the end of the bone that cushions and allows smooth movement. In OA, cartilage deteriorates, exposing the underlying bone, which triggers joint pain and stiffness.

Your risk for OA increases if you:

• have a family member who also has degenerative joint pain of the hands
• have a job that requires a lot of hand work such as manufacturing
• have had a hand injury

The more you use your hands, the more wear and tear you place on the joints and the cartilage that supports them.

Theres also a higher risk factor for hand arthritis if youre female. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.

People born with malformed joints or defective cartilage are also more likely to develop this condition.

Diagnosing hand arthritis involves an evaluation and tests. Your doctor will check the joints in your hand for signs of OA.

Signs include:

• limited range of motion

In some cases, your doctor will also order an X-ray to look for cartilage loss and other signs of damage. This can indicate arthritis of the hand and that they should look for potential bone spurs and erosions.

Rarely, your doctor might order an MRI to look more closely at your bones and soft tissue.

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Diagnosis Of Arthritis In The Hand

Arthritis in the hand is diagnosed in a physical exam by your orthopedic physician.

Typically, the physician will order an x-ray to determine if there is severe deformity in the joint that will need different treatments. In other cases, the physician may order a MRI or bone scan. A bone scan can catch arthritis in the very early stages.

Difficulty Making A Fist

A decrease in the hand joints flexibility and strength may make it hard to squeeze the fingers and thumbs into a fist. The authors of one clinical study suggest that difficulty making a fist may be a predictor of developing rheumatoid arthritis.1Burgers LE, Siljehult F, Ten Brinck RM, et al. Validation of the EULAR definition of arthralgia suspicious for progression to rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology . 2017 56:21232128. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex324

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Causes Of Arthritis In The Hand

Arthritis in the hand is typically caused by rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

• Rheumatoid arthritis in the hand rheumatoid arthritis most commonly starts in the small joints in the hands.
• Osteoarthrosis in the hand osteoarthritis in the hand occurs from everyday wear and tear in the hand. It typically occurs gradually from activities or careers that require repetitive motions.