Mechanical wear-and-tear or injury can cause osteoarthritis to develop. When an injury changes the alignment of a joint, it can hasten cartilage damage. The damage is usually visible in hands with enlarged joints and crooked fingers. Bony nodules are common visible characteristics with hand osteoarthritis. Small nodules and swellings that develop near the middle joint of the fingers are referred to as Bouchard's nodes. When the nodules are located at the fingertip, they are referred to as Heberden's nodes.
Osteoarthritis: Explained With Pictures
By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com
Updated October 04, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the hand. Osteoarthritis of the hand most commonly develops at three sites on the hand -- at the base of the thumb, at the joint closest to the finger tip, and the middle joint of the finger.
Prev
- Osteoarthritis Is Most Common in Adults Over 65
- Cartilage Damage From Knee Osteoarthritis
- Hip Osteoarthritis Caused by Joint Deterioration
- Three Common Sites of Hand Osteoarthritis
- Age Is Major Risk Factor for Neck Osteoarthritis
- What's the Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Knee Replacement Is Last-Resort Treatment Option
- Hip Replacement Restores Function and Mobility
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