What is Arthritis of the hand.?

Arthritis of the hand refers to inflammation of the joints in the hand, which can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. There are different types of arthritis that can affect the hand, including:

1. Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type and occurs due to the wearing down of cartilage, the smooth covering on the ends of bones. It often affects the joints at the base of the thumb, the end of the fingers, and the middle joints of the fingers.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, including the joints. It often affects the same joints on both sides of the body, leading to pain, swelling, and deformity.
3. Psoriatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis affects some people with psoriasis, a skin condition. It can cause swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints, including those in the hand.
4. Post-traumatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis can develop after an injury to the hand, such as a fracture or dislocation.

Symptoms of Hand Arthritis:

• Pain in the joints, especially during or after use
• Swelling and tenderness in the joints
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
• Decreased range of motion
• Redness and warmth around the affected joints
• Development of bony knobs on the finger joints (common in osteoarthritis)
• Deformity and instability in the joints (common in advanced rheumatoid arthritis)

Diagnosis:

• Physical examination by a healthcare provider
• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI to assess joint damage
• Blood tests to detect markers of inflammation or autoimmune activity (especially for rheumatoid arthritis)

Treatment:

• Medications: NSAIDs for pain and inflammation, DMARDs for rheumatoid arthritis, and corticosteroids.
• Physical therapy: Exercises to improve range of motion and strength.
• Splints or braces: To support and protect affected joints.
• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, using assistive devices, and modifying activities to reduce joint stress.
• Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement or fusion may be considered.

Managing hand arthritis involves a combination of treatments tailored to the type and severity of arthritis, aimed at reducing symptoms and improving hand function.