If you suffer from arthritis in your hands, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. It affects millions of people around the world, making everyday tasks difficult or even impossible to complete. In this blog post, we'll cover the causes and symptoms of hand arthritis, as well as what treatments are available to help manage the condition. The good news is that there are options for diagnosing and treating this condition.

Your first step should be to see your doctor or a specialist for a proper diagnosis. Once you know what type of arthritis you have, you and your doctor can develop a treatment plan that may include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

With the right combination of treatments, you can start to feel relief from your symptoms and regain some mobility in your hands. Keep reading to learn more about diagnosing and treating arthritis in your hands.

What is arthritis and what are the symptoms of hand arthritis specifically

Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. There are many different types of arthritis, and hand arthritis specifically refers to the inflammation of the joints in the hand. Symptoms of hand arthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of arthritis, but they typically worsen with activity and improve with rest. Treatment for hand arthritis depends on the severity of the condition and may include pain relief medication, physical therapy, or surgery.

Arthritis is a common condition that can cause pain and stiffness in the joints. The hands are especially susceptible to arthritis, as they are constantly in use and subject to wear and tear. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common form is osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, which is the tissue that cushions the joints. Other forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Arthritis can affect people of any age, but it is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 65. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Treatment for arthritis often includes medication, physical therapy, and splinting or bracing. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct joint damage.

There are many different types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is by far the most common form. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints begins to break down. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including aging, injury, or repetitive use. As the cartilage breaks down, it becomes thinner and less able to protect the joint. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it is most commonly seen in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. People with osteoarthritis often have a family history of the condition. Treatment for osteoarthritis typically includes medication, physical therapy, and splinting or bracing. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases to correct joint damage.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another type of arthritis that can cause pain and stiffness in the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body attacks its own tissues. This can cause inflammation and damage to the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 years old. Women are more likely than men to develop this type of arthritis. People with rheumatoid arthritis often have a family history of the condition. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Treatment typically includes medication (such as corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), physical therapy, and splinting or bracing. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases to correct joint damage or deformity.

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis (a skin condition that causes redness, scaling, and inflammation). Psoriatic arthritis usually affects people between the ages 30 and 50 years old; however, it can occur at any age. Men and women are equally likely to develop this type of arthritis. People with psoriatic arthritis often have a family history of psoriasis or other autoimmune disorders (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). Symptoms include pain, stiffness , swelling , reduced range of motion , and nail changes . Treatment typically includes medication (such as methotrexate or biologic agents), physical therapy , occupational therapy , splinting or bracing , and surgery .

How is hand arthritis diagnosed?

Arthritis of the hand is diagnosed by a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Blood tests may also be ordered to look for inflammatory markers. X-rays are often used to help diagnose arthritis of the hand, as they can show bone loss and joint damage. MRI or ultrasound may also be ordered to further evaluate the affected joints. Treatment for arthritis of the hand typically includes a combination of medication, splinting, occupational therapy, and injections.

What are the treatment options for hand arthritis

There are several different treatment options for hand arthritis, depending on the severity of the condition. For milder cases, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can be effective in reducing pain and swelling. More severe cases may require prescription medication or injections. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct any damage to the joints. Physical therapy is often recommended to help improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the affected joints.

Lifestyle changes that can help ease the symptoms of hand arthritis

If you're one of the many people who suffer from hand arthritis, you know how painful and debilitating the condition can be. Even everyday activities like opening a door or writing can be a challenge. While there is no cure for hand arthritis, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make to ease your symptoms.

One of the best things you can do for hand arthritis is to keep your hands active and moving. This may seem counterintuitive, but stiffness and pain are actually worse when your hands are inactive. Exercise can help to increase range of motion and improve function. Just be sure to start slowly and listen to your body - if an exercise is causing too much pain, stop doing it.

It's also important to pay attention to your diet if you have hand arthritis. Eating anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, olive oil, and avocados can help reduce swelling and pain. At the same time, try to avoid inflammatory foods like sugar, bread, and pasta. Keeping a food journal can help you identify which foods are triggering your arthritis symptoms.

Making small changes in your lifestyle can go a long way towards easing the pain of hand arthritis. By keeping your hands active and eating an anti-inflammatory diet, you can help reduce swelling and stiffness.

Medications that can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with hand arthritis

There are a number of medications that can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with hand arthritis. These include over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, as well as prescription medications such as methotrexate. In addition, physical therapy and occupational therapy can be helpful in managing the symptoms of hand arthritis.

Surgery as a last resort for treating severe cases of hand arthritis

Severe cases of hand arthritis can be painful and debilitating for those affected by this condition. Life-changing treatments may be needed to alleviate the pain and improve function, and surgery is sometimes required as a last resort. Surgery can be an effective way to get relief from the discomfort caused by arthritis and can help individuals with this condition regain much of their mobility, allowing them to partake in activities that were previously difficult depending on the affected area. As with any surgery or procedure, it is important to discuss all available options with your doctor before deciding on which approach is best for you. Schedule an appointment with Princeton Orthopaedic Associates today so that we can help get you on the road to recovery.