What is Hand Arthritis?

Arthritis of the hand is a degenerative arthritis which causes pain, limited range of motion and deformity in extreme cases. Many joints are involved in the functioning of the hand, wrist and fingers which make it prone to arthritic conditions. Each hand is made up of 27 bones which create many joints when they come together with potential to be affected by arthritis. Women are affected more commonly than men by this type of arthritis with the onset being slightly earlier. The risk of developing arthritis of the hand increases with age, peaking at about 60-70 years of age. 

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are the Two most common forms of Arthritis affecting the Hand

Osteoarthritis Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is a form of degenerative arthritis in which the cartilage which is a shock absorber between the bones in the joints gradually begins to wear out. This is caused when the joint is damaged due to excessive wear and tear or due to a previous injury to the affected area. Osteoarthritis of the hand may develop in many joints, most frequently affecting the joint where the thumb meets the wrist, the joint in the middle of the finger and the joint at the finger tip. This normally appears as a pattern which is predictable in some joints and usually affects the older population. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic condition affecting the synovial lining in multiple joints making them swollen and inflamed. The inflammation may also spread to the ligaments which are the tissues connecting the bones, and tendons which connect the bones and muscles. Fluid is produced in the affected joints to make up for the worn out cartilage causing joint misalignment, enlargement and deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the finger knuckles and wrists. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may be hereditary. 

When the arthritis is due to an injury or trauma it can affect people of any age. Joints which are injured have a very high incidence of developing arthritis even after being treated for the injury.

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis Include
• Pain, swelling and stiffness of the affected joint
• Weakness in the affected joint accompanied by dullness or a burning sensation.
• Difficulty in using the hand with the affected joints like when trying to perform simple tasks such as gripping or grasping something. 
• Increased pain and stiffness after waking up in the morning or after any period of rest or inactivity. 
• Creaking or grinding sound while moving the fingers, varying positions and deformity of fingers in advanced stages.

Treatment plan for arthritis of the hand depends on many factors like the stage of disease progression, age of the affected person, number of joints affected and other such factors. Non surgical treatment for arthritis of the hand can be a combination of medication, wearing splints on the affected joint and injections to the joints. Joint replacements, grafts, joint fusion and reconstructive surgery involving removing of the damaged bone and replacing it with a piece of tendon from elsewhere in the body is advised in advanced stages.