Arthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is the wear and tear breakdown of cartilage that can occur in any joint of the body. Arthritis in the hand most commonly occurs in those who perform repetitive movements with their hands over long periods of time. Examples include typing, guitar playing and sewing. Arthritis symptoms in the hand are first treated conservatively. However, a doctor may recommend surgery in more severe cases.
Pain in the Hand
Pain in the hand is a symptom of arthritis, states MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine. Pain in the hand occurs because the cartilage between the bones in the hand has worn out and allows these bones to rub together, forming bone spurs. Bone spurs, or bone humps, rub together and cause inflammation in the hand, which aggravates nerves in the hand and causes pain. Taking a break from repetitive hand movements and applying ice to the hand can reduce pain. Additionally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce pain and inflammation in the hand. A doctor may run further blood tests to check for rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune arthritic disease that commonly affects the hands.
Hand Swelling
Hand swelling is an associated symptom of arthritis in the hands, states the Mayo Clinic. Hand swelling occurs because bone spurs in the hand rub together and cause inflammation. Inflammatory signals attract fluid to the area, which results in swelling. Hand swelling can be treated with rest, ice and NSAIDs. If these treatments do not work, a doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection. Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory substances that can be injected directly into the problematic area. A local injection is beneficial because it prevents systemic side effects that are associated with corticosteroids. However, bone thinning can occur if too many injections are given, states MedlinePlus.
Limited Hand Movement
The range of motion of the hand can be limited in hand arthritis. A patient will likely notice difficulty in grasping certain objects. This occurs because bone spurs can form on bones in the hand as well as on joints, resulting in a limited range of motion. While reducing swelling is important, physical therapy may be beneficial to improve range of motion in the hand. A physical therapist can teach stretches and exercises to improve hand function. A home exercise program should also be taught to patients so they can maintain flexibility of the affected hand.
