Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in hands can make simple chores like opening a jar very difficult. The disease is an inflammatory condition that targets the lining of the joints. It is a painful condition that eventually creates permanent damage and deformity. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis.
Early Signs
The small joints in the fingers and hand are usually the first to feel the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Typically more than one joint is affected at a time. Flare-ups may come and go periodically until damage is done and the condition sets in permanently. Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis include swelling in the joints of the knuckles and wrist that is warm to the touch. Joints in the fingers may become tingly when the nerves become pinched, and joints often begin to creak.
Stiffness
In addition to the throbbing pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, stiffness can occur after long periods of rest. Most arthritis sufferers experience extreme stiffness for about 30 minutes each day after rising. Intermediate movement throughout the day is important. When hands are still for more than an hour or two, stiffness can set in and take a while to work out.
Heat
Rheumatoid arthritis creates heat when the joint linings are inflamed. In addition to being warm to the touch, knuckles and wrists will turn red. Swelling can make hands look puffy. Occasionally, when the arthritis is in full flare-up stage, arthritis sufferers may get a slight fever. Rheumatoid arthritis is symmetric, meaning that the symptoms on one hand are usually mimicked on the other hand as well, according to reports from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.
Lumps
Beginning at the fingers and wrist and moving up the arms, small firm bumps may form under the skin. Another common symptom is that a small lump forms on the back of the hand and moves around as the hand is straightened out. Fingers may collapse once the tendon is worn out completely. Deformities that are common symptoms include boutonniere, when the middle finger becomes permanently bent, and swan-neck, when the end of a finger becomes bent and the middle joint begins to extend over it.
Prevention
Once rheumatoid arthritis symptoms begin, there are ways to prevent the disease from degenerating. Joints should be rotated at least once a day for a minute or two as stiffness can set in after long periods of inactivity. Patients should keep track of flare-ups and extended pain following certain activities. Overuse can bring on the symptoms and those activities should be avoided. Ergonomic chairs with armrests and proper desk heights can help to relieve and prevent symptoms.
