Arthritis In Fingers: Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention
It is no fun if your fingers hurt since the role of your fingers in daily activities is really important. With age and certain lifestyle choices, arthritis may creep in, causing issues with mobility and achy joints. If you have been experiencing pain in your hands and fingers, you may want to check if you have arthritis in fingers or your hand. You can identify it with the help of common symptoms or visit a medical professional if you are unsure. There are also certain practices you can do at home that may help you manage finger arthritis. We talk about all that and more here, so read on.
In This Article
What Is Arthritis In Fingers?
Common Symptoms Of Finger Arthritis
What Causes Finger Arthritis?
How To Get Rid Of Arthritis In Fingers
When To See A Doctor
How To Prevent Arthritis In Fingers
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Arthritis In Fingers?
Arthritis in the fingers is a condition where the joints in your fingers are affected and become swollen and painful. Arthritis in itself can affect any part of your body with joints and cartilages. It may do so by breaking down the smooth lining at the end of the bones known as the cartilage or the tissues of joints or by causing inflammation. This leads to the bones becoming exposed, rubbing against each other, and wearing away. Since your hand has many joints, it can be prone to arthritis, and arthritis in the hands can progress to finger arthritis.
There are a few types of arthritis that can affect the hands and fingers, like:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (or degenerative arthritis) affects the wrist, the joint located at the base of the thumb, and the middle and top joints in the fingers. With osteoarthritis, you experience wear and tear of the cartilage which eventually leads the bones to rub against each other and get damaged. This progressive wearing down of the cartilage and bones may cause stiffness, deformities, and pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease in which the body’s natural immune system begins to attack its own healthy tissues, leading to inflammation in the lining of the joints. This causes a breakdown in the cartilage and eventually leads to the bones getting eroded. This chronic condition affects the small joints in the wrists, hands, and fingers symmetrically (the same joints in both hands get affected). Read More...