By: Roger Simpson, MD, MBA, FACS
Arthritis is a joint disorder characterized by inflammation. A joint is the area of the body where two different bones meet. In the hand, finger and wrist joints allow the body parts connected to these bones to move smoothly. Arthritis is defined as inflammation of one or more of these joints, usually accompanied by pain. The Arthritis Foundation estimates that 1 in 5 people over the age of 18 will develop arthritis.
Pain and stiffness of the fingers is a common reason for a visit to the doctor.
How do I know if I have arthritis?
The most common signs of arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and decreased range of motion.
What does arthritic pain feel like?
Pain from arthritis can be constant or it may come and go. It can be present at rest or while moving the hand and fingers.
Swelling and redness can occur over the joint that has inflammation from arthritis. The area may feel warm to the touch. Swelling for several days should prompt a visit to the doctor.
Stiffness of the joint upon awakening in the morning or during periods of disuse is a common finding.
Difficulty moving a joint that does not improve is often a sign of arthritis.
What should I do if I think I have arthritis?
Obtaining a diagnosis is the first and most important step in the evaluation process. One of the most effective early treatments for arthritis is an active exercise program. This emphasizes stretching of the joints. Gentle exercise programs are especially beneficial.
There are different types of arthritis of the fingers
Osteoarthritis (degenerative) arthritis: Arthritic joints feel sore and stiff, especially if you haven’t moved them in a while. Often in the morning you’ll wake up and it may take several minutes for the joints of your hands and fingers to move smoothly. This type of arthritis may worsen with age. These symptoms can be accompanied by progressive curvature of the fingers. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage cushion at the end of the bones to breakdown. It commonly affects the small finger joints as well as the base of the thumb.
Inflammatory arthritis: This is an immune condition also producing inflammation with pain and swelling in the joints. Usually the small joints of the fingers and toes can be affected. This process begins with inflammation of the soft linings of the joint and progresses. Examples of inflammatory arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis to name a few.
Infectious arthritis: This can result from bacteria, virus, or fungus entering a joint. Joint pain and fever may accompany the rapid swelling.
Metabolic arthritis: The body may fail to eliminate certain metabolites resulting in crystal deposits forming in joints. Gout may produce acute or progressive arthritis of the hand. More often, symptoms include a sudden onset of severe pain in one joint with swelling and redness.
Should I see a doctor about arthritis?
You should see your doctor for any joint pain that persists. It’s important to establish an accurate diagnosis and to determine an effective plan of treatment.
Some arthritis is common with aging and occurs when the cartilage cushion wears away from the ends of the bones. A frequent location is at the base of your thumb. This can cause severe pain, swelling, decreased strength and a decreased range of motion. This makes it difficult to accomplish simple tasks like turning doorknobs or opening jars. Early management may include a combination of medication and splints. Occasionally surgery is required when the arthritic changes are excessive, and pain restricts normal thumb function. This reconstruction is associated with good functional improvement.
Enlarged or bony deformities can form at the base of the thumb or around the small joints of the hand. The smooth surfaces of the joint are worn down. Bone eventually rubs against bone causing friction and further joint damage. Arthritis is somewhat more common in women than men.
Treatment of arthritis of the hand begins conservatively by reducing the inflammation and swelling with a subsequent decrease in the pain on motion. If conservative methods of treatment cannot control the associated pain, surgical intervention may be required to rebuild the joint space, reduce pain, and improve hand function.
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