There are two types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by inflammatory disease, and osteoarthritis is caused by damage to the cartilage between the joints. Both can affect the hands and cause the sufferer severe pain and limited movement. Knowing the signs of arthritis can help you get early treatment and lessen the severity of the pain.
Pain in Hand
One of the first symptoms of arthritis in the hand is pain. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) states that this pain can also be joined by a burning sensation. The pain is often more noticeable after activities that involve use of the hands, such as gardening or gripping something.
Swollen Joints
The National Institute of Arthritis lists sensitive and swollen joints as a symptom, and this often affects the wrist, as well as the fingers. The AAOS explains this by saying that as the joints lose cartilage, which is the cushion between the bones, the body tries to replace it with fluid to act as the cushion. The fluid causes the joint to swell up, which can lead to restricted motion. Also, as the the covering of the joint swells, it stretches, which can be quite painful.
Grating of the Joints
When the joint cartilage is damaged or worn away, the damaged surfaces grind against one another. The AAOS labels this as "crepitation." When this happens the joint structures have been loosened, causing physical changes in the appearance of the joints, which is often a larger appearance.
