| Hand arthritis is the most common form of arthritis that | | | | to this X-rays will be utilized to further identify the |
| mainly affects the fingers. As in most forms of arthritis | | | | severity of hand arthritis by seeking potential bony |
| the joints become inflamed resulting in pain. Essentially, | | | | outgrowths. |
| a joint is made up of two bones that are covered by | | | | There are various treatments and forms of reducing |
| cartilage and are conjoined together moving smoothly | | | | the pain of hand arthritis. Analgesic and |
| across each other. If this smooth surface becomes | | | | Anti-inflammatory medications will normally be the first |
| damaged or wears out over time, arthritis will result | | | | treatment utilized for hand arthritis. Resting the hand is |
| Hand arthritis is specifically painful and debilitating due to | | | | also crucial in terms of re-habilitating the area- a hand |
| the fact that hands have nineteen bones and eight | | | | or wrist support may be required to aid this |
| small bones that has several small joints. The more | | | | re-habilitation. |
| common forms of hand arthritis include osteoarthritis, | | | | Physical therapy for hand arthritis has also proven to |
| post-traumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Further | | | | be very effective as a treatment option. There are |
| causes of hand arthritis might include psoriasis, gout | | | | specific exercises, which can help in loosening the |
| and infection. | | | | stiffened joints caused by the hand arthritis. Steroids |
| Hand osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the | | | | can also be injected locally into the affected area, |
| hand joints over time resulting in inflammation and pain. | | | | however this is only a form of pain relief, and certainly |
| Normally it is a result of this wear and tear, however it | | | | not a long-term treatment option for hand arthritis. |
| can also be the result of a specific hand injury. Hand | | | | Surgery is most certainly the last resort as a |
| osteoarthritis arthritis generally develops either along | | | | treatment option for hand arthritis. The doctor or |
| the bottom of the thumb, the wrist, the end joint that is | | | | physician will seriously evaluate the patient's health, age, |
| closest to the tip of the finger and the middle joint of | | | | weight and risks of complications before |
| the finger. | | | | recommending hand surgery as a viable treatment |
| The most common symptoms of hand arthritis are | | | | option for hand arthritis. |
| pain, swelling and reduced movement resulting in | | | | Hand arthritis can be an extremely debilitating condition, |
| diminished grip and pinch strength. The doctor or | | | | however with proper diagnosis by your doctor or |
| physician will also examine all other joints to help aid | | | | physician the symptoms can be effectively managed |
| the diagnosis of hand arthritis. The doctor can also | | | | and rehabilitation can take place. Like most forms of |
| determine the severity of the hand arthritis by | | | | arthritis early diagnosis is the key to aiding recovery in |
| observing the clinical appearance of the hand. Further | | | | hand arthritis. |