Arthritis is a familiar term to most people. However, there are many different types of arthritis, each with its own specific affected area and accompanying challenges. The types of arthritis vary in degrees of severity. One type of arthritis that particularly limits your ability to complete daily activities is hand arthritis.

Think about it you use your hands for just about everything. What would happen if you winced in pain every time you were forced to do so? People affected by hand arthritis face this challenge every day. Knowing the symptoms of hand arthritis could result in earlier diagnosis, which in turn could contribute to arthritis prevention.

What Is Hand Arthritis?

Arthritis of the hand occurs when the cartilage (nature's shock absorber) in the hand begins to deteriorate. The body begins to produce a fluid called synovium to try and cushion the joints in place of the cartilage. However, this fluid causes the joint to swell and results in the restricted motion of the joint. The joint covering, also called the capsule, stretches, which causes the pain that arthritis is known for.

Symptoms of Hand Arthritis

Early on, people with hand arthritis might experience a dull or burning pain in their hands during times of frequent use. For example, many people feel this sensation when grasping or gripping something. However, others do not experience these symptoms until several hours later.

As hand arthritis advances, smaller uses of the hands will result in these symptoms. The pain typically worsens as the disease progresses; some people complain that arthritis pain keeps them up at night. Others claim that rainy weather negatively affects their arthritis. As the arthritis grows worse, those affected by it will begin to find simple tasks, such as tying shoes and opening jars, more difficult.

How Can Hand Arthritis Be Treated?

There are several ways that hand arthritis can be treated. One way to treat the symptoms of arthritis is medications. Medications eliminate the pain associated with the arthritis, but they do not fix the problem of the deteriorating cartilage.

Some people discuss surgical options because they eliminate the problem completely. The types of surgeries that can treat hand arthritis are numerous. One option, for example, is to have the affected joints replaced altogether.

Pain Free

If you are suffering from hand arthritis, then you do not have to live with your pain. There are so many options available for treatment that can significantly increase the quality of your life and life the limitations that have been placed on your daily activity.