There are a number of joints present in the hand that function together in order to allow you to move you hand. They’re important to wrist and hand function, and when you get arthritis in hands, it can have a negative impact. Each arthritis is different, and depending on which kind you have, it can have a different impact.
Adult arthritis in hands generally happen in one in five adults in the United States today, and about 50% of those cases are patients who are less than 55 years old. It is one of the key issues that causes impairment and can happen either from surgery or a debilitating condition like rheumatoid arthritis. Every joint is cushioned with a thing called cartilage which acts as the joint’s shock absorber as you move around.
Over time, cartilage sometimes gets damaged or just wears down from use. Illness or injury can also cause damage. A joint that’s damaged gets limited in movement and can be very painful. To compensate, the joint produces something called synovial fluid. Swelling and limited motion are the result. It happens when the pill which is the joint covering is stretched via increased swelling. Untreated arthritis causes pain, swelling and limited motion and changes the appearance of the joint.
Arthritis in hands is usually diagnosed by a medical doctor who runs tests, takes an x-ray and listens to your list of symptoms. Some of the latest equipment can also be used like a magnetic resonance imaging machine or MRI, although this is not always done. Usually a scan can help the doctor pinpoint arthritis in its early stages, where using an x-ray only sometimes misses the problem in its early stages.
Doctors can also use a direct examination method where they place a tiny camera in the joint so that they can see inside. Also called arthroscopy, it’s a procedure that is less invasive. It is a useful diagnostic procedure although it’s optional.
Another diagnostic tool available for diagnosing arthritis in hands during the earlier stages is the bone scan. X-rays are limited in what they can demonstrate in the early stages, but a bone scan shows more and gives the doctor a look inside the joint. The more information the doctor can acquire, the more precise the diagnosis and the more effective the treatment prescribed.
Once diagnosed, treatment is available to help the affected joints. When there is arthritis in hands, it can be treated with injections, splints, oral medication and in extreme cases, an operation. Depending on how far the issue has progress and the joints involved determines the course of action prescribed. In addition, doctors take age, overall health and degree of the individuals activity in account.
Arthritis in hands are often diagnosed radiographically, although a bone scan is the best way to detect arthritis during its earlier stages. For more information, please visit my website at: Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms