Arthritis in the hands is often associated with age and wear and tear, but there are a number of reasons why you may develop arthritis even if you are young and take good care of your hands.
Causes of arthritis in the hands include:
- Wear and tear or injury (osteoarthritis)
- Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis)
- Infections
- Too much uric acid in the body (often associated with gout)
- An inflammatory condition such as psoriasis
Fibromyalgia is another condition that is associated with arthritis. However, fibromyalgia does not cause arthritis, but it can cause arthritis-like joint pain and can aggravate the pain of existing arthritis.
Types of Arthritis That Affect the Hands
Arthritis is a general term for joint pain, and there are many different types of arthritis that can affect the hands. Here are the three most common types that affect the hands:
1. Osteoarthritis
This type of arthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints, and is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage (the tough, flexible connective tissue in joints) breaks down, meaning the ends of the bones are less protected. The cartilage continues to deteriorate over time, eventually causing the ends of the bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
RA is a form of arthritis caused by an immune system response. With RA, your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the joints, leading to swelling, pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.
Active RA can damage joints quite quickly due to its inflammatory nature, which means early diagnosis and treatment is extremely important. RA often affects the same joints on both sides of the body; For example, if you have symptoms in your right wrist or knuckle, you will likely have similar symptoms in your left wrist or knuckle.
3. Psoriatic arthritis (PSA)
Like RA, psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis. It is related to the dermatological condition psoriasis, although not everyone with PSA has psoriasis, and vice versa.
About one-third of people with psoriasis will also have this arthritis. It is a chronic and progressive condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
You may notice your fingers swelling up and looking like sausages; this condition is called dactylitis, and symptoms can last from a few days to a few weeks.
What are the signs of arthritis in the hands?
The symptoms of arthritis can be very subtle in the early stages of the disease, meaning the signs of arthritis are sometimes hard to spot at first.
When you first notice signs of arthritis in your hands, there are a number of signs that may prompt you to see a rheumatologist, including:
- Swelling of the joints in your wrists or fingers
- Pain or stiffness, especially in the morning
- A burning sensation that develops after increased use of your hands
These symptoms can easily be mistaken for injuries such as minor sprains or muscle aches, as they can come and go in the early stages of the disease, and may even disappear for weeks. However, if you cannot attribute your symptoms to any injury, it is best to see a specialist, as early diagnosis and treatment of arthritis can help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
As the disease progresses, you may experience symptoms that include:
- Increasing pain and stiffness
- Joints that are swollen, warm, and/or red
- Grinding or cracking sensations and/or popping sounds when you bend your fingers
- Inability to fully bend your fingers due to pain or stiffness
- Bone growths in the middle (Bouchard’s nodes) or top (Heberden’s nodes) joints of your fingers
- Abnormal bending of your fingers that can make your hand appear deformed
Tips for Relieving Arthritis Pain at Home
Arthritis can make seemingly simple tasks like buttoning a shirt, turning a doorknob, or opening a jar difficult and painful. As the inflammation persists, the joints may swell, become stiff in the morning, and become less flexible over time. Although it cannot be completely cured, you can still effectively control the symptoms at home.
One of the easiest and most useful ways to do this is to combine heat and cold therapy. In the morning, when the joints are stiff and difficult to move, applying a warm compress helps relax the muscles, increase circulation, and soften the tissues around the joints. On the other hand, at the end of the day, applying a cold compress can significantly reduce swelling and pain. Alternating between heat and ice at certain times can provide comfort and control inflammation without the need for immediate medication.
In addition, working with a hand therapist is also a wise choice. They will show you how to do appropriate exercises to maintain finger flexibility, and help you adjust your posture and use assistive devices. These specialized devices, such as extenders for eating utensils, jar openers, or sock and shoe organizers, help reduce the impact on painful joints and significantly improve your ability to care for yourself. In some cases, your specialist may recommend a hand splint to immobilize the joint, preventing further damage. Splints help relieve pain while allowing the joint to rest, which is especially helpful when inflammation becomes severe. These home remedies not only help relieve pain but also contribute to improving the quality of daily life for people with hand arthritis.
