What types of arthritis affect the hands?

You may think that “arthritis is arthritis,” and that it all affects the joints in the same way.  The truth is, there are several types of arthritis and how they present themselves in the hand is very different. 

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis.  It results from wearing of the cartilage on the joint surfaces.  It is usually slow in its progression, with the first signs being soreness at the joint.  As it progresses, it can become more painful.  Over time, the cartilage can wear down, eventually leading to a joint with bone rubbing on bone.  The joints in the hand most prone to osteoarthritis are the base of the thumb and the small joints in the fingers.  Nodules at these small joints, called Heberden’s nodes, are the result of osteoarthritis. Treat Yourself Therapy’s video for Thumb Arthritis is a treatment program designed for osteoarthritis of the thumb. It contains specific exercises and education to decrease pain and improve flexibility while saving you time and money.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another type of arthritis that affects the hands. RA is a systemic condition involving many organs in the body.  It usually affects both hands symmetrically, and the joints most involved are the large knuckles.  An overproduction of the lubricating fluid around the joints, called synovial fluid, is the mechanism that affects the joints.  When the condition is in its active state, the joints feel warm and become swollen, stiff, and painful. 

Gouty arthritis can also affect the hands, although it is more commonly seen in the feet.  Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood, which can develop into hard crystals in the joints.  It usually has a sudden onset, resulting in burning pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Ten to thirty percent of people with psoriasis, a skin condition, develop psoriatic arthritis.  It can affect many joints of the body and is characterized by pain, swelling, and morning stiffness. In the hand, the joints most frequently involved are the small end joints of the fingers.

There are treatments and medications for all types of arthritis that help make the condition more comfortable.  Consult your physician if you suffer from arthritis to ensure that you are properly diagnosed and receive the care appropriate for your specific condition.

Treat Yourself Therapy, LLC provides innovative and inexpensive do-it-yourself videos for people unable to attend hand therapy. These videos were developed by Jessica Karge, OTR, CHT and Kathleen Papi-Baker, OTR,CHT, both certified hand therapists who have over 40 years of combined clinical experience. To learn more, visit www.TreatYourselfTherapy.com.