Arthritis is a condition that can affect the joints in your hands. Since the hands are the most heavily used in the body, it is understandable to be concerned. Fortunately, arthritis is one of the conditions that, with early medical intervention, can be effectively managed.
If you are worried you may have arthritis, you should learn about what it feels like to have arthritis in the hands. Hand arthritis shares symptoms with other upper extremity conditions, but when looked at closely, a doctor can tell the difference.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the Hands
The most common type of arthritis in the hands is osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear-and-tear damage to the joints over time. This type of arthritis typically begins around age 40 or later, as cartilage starts to break down between bones in the hand joints. As this happens, bone rubs against bone, causing inflammation and severe pain when you use your hands for everyday activities that require you to grip objects.
Osteoarthritis develops slowly, taking years before the first symptoms occur. Initial symptoms are pain and tenderness and affect only one hand, typically. The joints affected by osteoarthritis are usually those closest to the fingernails and the thumb. Hands affected by osteoarthritis usually feel stiff in the morning – meaning it’s difficult to move them – and go away with activity, only to return afterward during periods of rest. Another hallmark symptom of osteoarthritis is crepitus, which causes cracking and creaking of the joints.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hands
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that is caused by an autoimmune disorder. The symptoms of RA in the hands appear rapidly over weeks or months, and it can affect the young – even those in their 30s. Both hands are usually affected by rheumatoid arthritis symmetrically, unlike osteoarthritis, which typically affects one hand or wrist. With RA of the hands, stiffness is also experienced in the morning, but it doesn’t go away with activity. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause the development of bumps or nodules over the knuckles. Other symptoms include fatigue, fever, anemia, and loss of appetite. RA is systemic, while osteoarthritis is more localized.
Arthritis in your hands can cause pain, especially when you use your hands for tasks requiring strength or precision movements such as writing or using tools like knives and scissors. Even simple things like turning doorknobs become difficult because of how much pressure needs to be applied just to move them. Both are disabling diseases that require proper management and close collaboration with an orthopedic doctor.
Hand Arthritis Treatment in Maryland
Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder’s exceptional team of board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons offer the most advanced methods used in the treatment of hand arthritis. We are committed to helping you experience lasting relief from your hand arthritis symptoms and restoring your joint function. Your hands deserve top-notch care and treatment, which our hand doctors can provide. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (410) 296-6232 or use our online request form.
