Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA) are two of the most common types of arthritis that affect the joints. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), while RA affected 1.8 crore people in 2019, 52.8 crore people were living with osteoarthritis worldwide.
As per the global health body, the knee, hip, and hand are the most commonly affected joints in the body due to osteoarthritis.
In this article, we discuss how arthritis can be identified in the hands and what kinds of treatments can be sought for the same.
Also Read: Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects More Than Just Your Joints: Note The Unusual Symptoms Of The Condition
Types Of Arthritis That Affect The Hand
Arthritis is a condition that usually affects the joints. Joints are areas in the body where two bones meet, such as your elbow or knee.
There are several joints in your hands too, which makes it a common site for arthritis to develop.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Punit Pruthi, Director-Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Asian Hospital Faridabad, shares some of the most common types of arthritis that particularly affect the joints:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
RA occurs when your immune system starts attacking your own joints. This condition is known as autoimmunity and can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness in your fingers, wrists, and elbows, restricting your daily activities.
Psoriatic Arthritis
In this condition, your skin gets inflamed, said Dr Pruthi.
It presents with a particular type of skin rash called psoriasis, which commonly affects people who are in the age group of 30–50 years.
It may lead to arthritis affecting single or multiple joints of the limbs or spine, he added.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is degenerative arthritis, which leads to the ‘wear and tear’ of the cartilage, a kind of cushion inside the joints. This causes the ends of the bones to rub, leading to pain, stiffness, and loss of movement over time. According to Dr Pruthi, this type of arthritis is commonly found in old people. The pain usually does not last long in this condition and occurs mostly during activities that involve the affected joints, he said.
Also Read: Expert Shares How Dense Fog May Worsen Rheumatic Disorders Like Arthritis And Gout
Signs Of Arthritis In The Hand
Some of the common symptoms of arthritis in the hands include:
- Sudden or gradual onset of pain and swelling in your hand, which lasts for hours or days
- Burning sensation, which happens due to pressure on the nerve due to inflammation of the joint
- Swelling, pain, and stiffness in your hand, especially in the morning
- Changes in the way you use your hand
- Inflammation and redness in the affected area
- Pain in the middle of the night
Diagnosis And Treatment
Unfortunately, arthritis is an incurable disease and can only be managed through lifestyle modifications and medical treatments.
A treatment plan is usually determined on the basis of your diagnosis, said Dr Pruthi.
Pain relief is often the first step, with medications like over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription NSAIDs, or even corticosteroids.
Lifestyle changes are crucial, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and using heat or cold therapy.
Some people also take physical therapy, which is said to help strengthen muscles and improve joint mobility.
In severe cases, surgery like joint replacement might be an option. Ultimately, the most effective treatment depends on the specific type of arthritis, its severity, and your individual needs. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to creating a personalised plan to manage your arthritis and improve your quality of life.
