Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes the cartilage in a joint to break down , resulting in pain, stiffness and loss of mobility.
It can happen in any joint, but it most often occurs in the hands, spine, hips, knees, or fingers.
In this article, we are interested in the symptoms that can alert us to the presence of osteoarthritis in the hands.
Nodule formation
These nodules are like small lumps that appear at the level of the phalanges. They are small in size. These abnormal lumps have a rounded appearance. Know that the nodules mainly attack the last phalanges of the fingers. But all the phalanges are affected by osteoarthritis.
Indeed, the phalanges constitute the skeleton of the fingers of your hand. There are three kinds of phalanges. These are the proximal phalanx, the intermediate phalanx and the terminal phalanx.
Unlike the other fingers of the hand, the thumb has only two types of phalanges.
On the other hand, the nodules promote unsightly deformities of the fingers. They are disabling in some people with osteoarthritis. We talk about Heberden's nodes and Bouchard's nodes .
joint pain
Hand joint pain is the main symptom. This condition causes chronic pain that is more or less difficult to bear. They can manifest themselves in the form of attacks of osteoarthritis.
Thus, the patient complains of pain in the hands and fingers. The pain will manifest itself in the area of each joint affected by osteoarthritis. However, the intensity of the pain varies from one joint to another.
The joints are surrounded by highly innervated tissues. This explains the origin of the pain. Furthermore, arthritis of the hands should not be confused with osteoarthritis of the hands. In fact, arthritis is due to inflammation of the joints of the hands.
In this case, the finger joints become red and swollen . This inflammation is sometimes triggered by a viral infection. Osteoarthritis pain is not accompanied by fever.
Joint stiffness
In addition to pain, the victim of osteoarthritis of the hand can also suffer from stiffness. This makes it difficult to perform the movements properly. For example, it will be difficult for him to open a bottle of water.
The fingers do not have enough strength to grasp objects. The stiffness increases especially after a period of rest . You will notice stiffer fingers in the morning when you wake up. This is why it is recommended to do some movement or activity to improve finger stiffness.
Rest is necessary when the fingers of the hands become very sore. However, it is advisable to exercise slight movements in order to ensure their mobility.
Regarding the thumb
Doctors speak of rhizarthrosis . This medical term refers to osteoarthritis that affects the base of the thumb. It occurs frequently in women after the age of 50. You will feel pain at the root of the affected thumb.
It is painful when moving. For example, when you want to pinch or squeeze something. There may also be stiffness. Not to mention that rhizarthrosis can lead to deformation of the first phalanx of the thumb.
Source: www.la-main.ch/
Medicines can relieve flare-ups of pain. Rapid treatment is useful to quickly counter the disease. Consult as soon as symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hands appear.
Solutions ?
Fortunately for everyone affected by this terrible disease, there are solutions. Natural treatments that can relieve , reduce pain and inflammation.
If the subject interests you, we invite you to read our article "Arthrosis of the hand, what to do?" .
