Hand Osteoarthritis - Causes - Diagnosis - Symptoms - Treatment

Osteoarthritis of the hand can be painful and disabling. Stiffness, swelling, and pain are typical symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the hand. Learn more about the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment for osteoarthritis of the hand.

Early treatment of hand osteoarthritis is important to prevent irreversible joint damage and progression of the disease. It's important that you not ignore early symptoms so that treatment can help relieve pain and improve function. Do you know the basic facts about hand osteoarthritis?

Bouchard's nodes are associated with osteoarthritis. While not everyone with the disease develops Bouchard's nodes, they are more commonly associated with hand osteoarthritis.

Heberden's nodes are associated with osteoarthritis. While not everyone with the disease develops Heberden's nodes, they are more commonly associated with primary osteoarthrits rather than secondary osteoarthritis.

Weightbearing joints affected by osteoarthritis can be burdened even more by overweight or obesity. Researchers have studied if overweight affects non-weightbearing joints, like the hands.

Arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the fingers and hands. Arthritis gloves have been designed to warm the hands and decrease swelling and stiffness through mild compression. Arthritis gloves can be worn all day and all night. The fingertips are usually cut out so you can easily touch and grip. Arthritis gloves also improve circulation,...

EULAR has issued recommendations and guidelines for the treatment of hand osteoarthritis. Symptomatic hand osteoarthritis affects 20 percent of people over 55 years old.

Pain and stiffness caused by hand osteoarthritis can affect daily activities which require grip and fine motor control. If left untreated, bones that form joints in the hand can lose normal shape causing increased pain, limited range of motion, and decreased function.

The hand and wrist have multiple small joints that work together to produce motion. When the joints become affected with arthritis, activities of daily living can be difficult. Arthritis can occur in multiple areas of the hand and wrist. It can have multiple causes, from AAOS.

Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, most commonly affects the elderly. In this type of arthritis, the joints degenerate due to aging. The cartilage begins to erode, causing the bones to grind against one another, from The Cleveland Clinic.