Arthritis in the fingers is a condition that causes inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness in the small joints of the hands, hindering daily activities such as holding, writing, opening jars or even as simple as buttoning a shirt. Many people think that the disease only occurs in old age.
However, in reality, arthritis in the fingers can appear silently for decades without being noticed, especially in people of working age.
Types of arthritis affecting the fingers
Arthritis in the fingers is a form of damage to the interphalangeal joints in the fingers caused by inflammation.
There are many types of arthritis that affect the fingers, but the two most common types are:
- Osteoarthritis: This is a condition in which the cartilage wears away over time, causing the bones under the cartilage to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and swelling. This type of arthritis often occurs due to the natural aging process.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, causing swelling, pain, and deformity of the fingers.
Causes of arthritis in the fingers
Depending on the type of arthritis, the cause can vary:
- Age: This is the leading risk factor for osteoarthritis, as cartilage wears away over time.
- Genetics: People with relatives who have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis are at higher risk.
- Hand injuries: Fractures, sprains, or injuries to finger joints can lead to long-term damage.
- Repetitive work: People who frequently use their hands for typing, sewing, gardening, hair cutting, or manual labor tend to develop arthritis earlier due to the repetitive stress on the joints.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop arthritis in the fingers than men, especially after menopause.
- Autoimmune disease: For rheumatoid arthritis, the cause comes from an abnormal immune system.
At what age does arthritis in the fingers start?
There is no exact age for the onset of arthritis in the fingers, but research and clinical studies show that:
1. After age 50
Osteoarthritis in the fingers often begins after age 50, when the aging process thins the joint cartilage. The patient may begin to feel stiffness in the finger joints in the morning, dull pain when moving, or slight swelling in the knuckles. These symptoms are initially transient, but if left unchecked, they will gradually increase in severity and frequency.
2. From 30 to 50 years old
Rheumatoid arthritis can start from the age of 30 to 50, and some cases have been recorded as early as the age of 20. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis often starts in both hands, with symmetrical swelling and pain in small joints such as the metacarpophalangeal joints and proximal interphalangeal joints. Patients may feel tired, have a low-grade fever, and have prolonged morning stiffness.
The disease can start silently quite early, depending on the type of disease and the lifestyle of each person. Therefore, proactively monitoring for abnormal signs of the finger joints, regardless of age, plays a very important role.
Prevention and care strategies for hand joints
Even if you do not have symptoms, early care for your hand joints is still the right thing to do. Here are some simple tips to help prevent hand arthritis effectively:
- Gentle exercise: Finger exercises such as spreading, grasping, and rolling small balls in the palm of the hand help maintain flexibility and limit stiffness.
- Hot/cold compresses: Apply heat therapy in the morning to help joints become more flexible, and cold compresses after strenuous activity to reduce inflammation.
- Maintain a reasonable weight: Excess body weight increases pressure on joints, whether in the hands or knees.
- Eat healthy: Supplement foods rich in omega-3, vitamin D, calcium, and natural anti-inflammatory substances (such as turmeric, garlic, ginger).
- Reasonable rest: Avoid working with your hands continuously for long periods of time; there should be a break between repetitive hand activities.
