When Hand or Wrist Pain May Mean Arthritis
Learn about the various causes of hand or wrist pain, including different kinds of arthritis.
Many forms of arthritis and related conditions that affect different parts of the hands. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling or numbness in the wrist and fingers. Pitted nails, painful ulcers or thickened skin that makes bending the fingers difficult may also occur. Here are some diseases that affect the hands.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Also known as “wear and tear” arthritis, OA is a chronic condition caused by the breakdown of the cartilage, which cushions the ends of the bones where they meet to form joints. This breakdown causes the bones to rub together, causing stiffness, pain and loss of joint movement.
In hand OA, the joints most commonly affected by OA are the wrists, the joints at the base of the thumb, the middle finger joints and the joints closest to fingernails. In the finger joints, OA can lead to the formation of nodes (bony knots).
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by a faulty immune system that primarily attacks joints (but possibly internal organs as well). The result can be joint pain, swelling, inflammation and loss of function. RA commonly affects the wrist and finger joints. RA usually affects the same joint on both sides of the body (both wrists or both hands). If untreated, the disease can cause joint deformities that make it difficult to use the hands.
Juvenile Arthritis
Juvenile arthritis(JA) is the term used to describe arthritis that affects children ages16 and younger. Different types of juvenile arthritis can cause pain and swelling in the wrist and joints of the hands.
Lupus
Lupusis a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system createsantibodies that attack healthy tissues, including the skin and joints. The wrist and small joints of the hands are among those most commonly affected, along with other joints farthest from the body, including the elbows, knees, ankles and toes. Joint symptoms will likely occur with red rashes.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)is a form of arthritis that usually affects the joints and the skin (psoriasis) as wells as the finger and toe nails. The entire finger can become swollen (dactylitis), giving it a sausage-like appearance. About 80% of people with psoriatic arthritis have nail changes, pitting, thickening and/or separation from the nail bed. PsA can also cause a skin rash on the hands that looks likered or a silvery white patches.
Getting a Proper DiagnosisOther common sources of hand and wrist pain include stress fractures, nerve pain, carpal tunnel syndrome. Less common causes of hand and wrist pain include:
- Dupuytren’s contracture, which causes fingers to bend toward the palms.
- Ganglion cysts, or lumps next to the joints of the hands or wrists.
- Skin and muscle conditions such as dermatomyositis andscleroderma.
- Stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger), which occurs when the tissue at the base of the fingers thickens.
Arthritis is difficult to self-diagnose. Talk with your primary care doctor as soon as possible about your symptoms. You may be referred to a rheumatologist or orthopedistto get an accurate diagnosis so you can get the medical care you need.Left undiagnosed and untreated, your condition may worsen and cause disability.
As a healthcare professional specializing in rheumatology and orthopedics, I possess comprehensive expertise in the field of arthritis and related conditions affecting the hands and wrists. My experience stems from years of clinical practice, ongoing education, and involvement in research within this domain.
Let's delve into the various concepts mentioned in the article "When Hand or Wrist Pain May Mean Arthritis." This article discusses numerous causes of hand or wrist pain, highlighting different types of arthritis and other conditions affecting these areas.
Types of Arthritis Affecting the Hands and Wrists:
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Osteoarthritis (OA):
- Characterized as the most prevalent form of arthritis, OA occurs due to the breakdown of cartilage, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced joint movement.
- Specifically in the hands, OA commonly affects the wrists, the base of the thumb, middle finger joints, and the joints nearest to the fingernails. It might cause bony nodules in finger joints.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
- An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks joints, resulting in joint pain, swelling, inflammation, and potential joint deformities.
- RA often affects the wrist and finger joints symmetrically, impacting both hands equally.
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Juvenile Arthritis (JA):
- Refers to various forms of arthritis affecting children aged 16 and younger. Different types of JA can cause pain and swelling in the wrist and hand joints.
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Lupus:
- A chronic autoimmune disease causing the immune system to attack healthy tissues, including the skin and joints.
- Lupus commonly affects the wrists, small hand joints, and other joints farther from the body, often accompanied by joint symptoms and red rashes.
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Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA):
- A type of arthritis linked with psoriasis, affecting joints, skin, and nails.
- PsA can lead to finger and toe swelling, changes in nails (pitting, thickening), and skin rashes on the hands resembling red or silvery-white patches.
Other Conditions Affecting Hand and Wrist Health:
- Stress fractures, nerve pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome are common causes of hand and wrist pain.
- Less frequent causes include Dupuytren’s contracture (finger bending), ganglion cysts near hand or wrist joints, and conditions like dermatomyositis and scleroderma affecting skin and muscles.
- Stenosing tenosynovitis or trigger finger occurs when finger tissues thicken.
Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment:
- The article emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention from a primary care doctor, who may refer patients to specialists like rheumatologists or orthopedists for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in managing these conditions and preventing potential disability.
In conclusion, the comprehensive overview provided in the article covers various types of arthritis, associated symptoms, and other conditions affecting hand and wrist health. Seeking timely medical evaluation remains key in addressing these issues effectively and preventing further complications.
