There are a number of small joints present in hand and wrist, which function together to produce flexibility and motion. These hand joints are essential to perform most of the day-to-day activities like threading a needle or tying a shoelace. It would be very difficult to perform these daily activities if the hand joints are affected by arthritis. Arthritis can badly affect various parts of the hand and wrist.
There are various causes, which develop arthritis in hand. Present ongoing researches reveal that nearly one out of every five individuals has not less than a joint with the signs or symptoms of arthritis also approximately 50 percent of the arthritis sufferers are under age of 50 years. It is the main cause of harm among the sufferers. This disease, hand arthritis, characteristically occurs either from disease or from trauma. The cartilage is actually acts as natural shock absorber, which renders a smooth gliding layer for the joint. All the arthritic joints especially in the hand drop off cartilage. If these cartilage get damaged or worn, or is destroyed because of disease or trauma, the joint becomes severely painful and find it very difficult in performing mobility.
The body ties to compensate for the disordered cartilage. It produces synovial fluid in the synovium or joint linings, which strives to behave as a cushion; however, it also induces the joints of the hand to swell. This occurrence limits motion. The joint swelling stimulates stretching of the capsule or joint covering, which induces pain in the joints. Over a certain period of time, when the arthritis is not properly noticed or treated for, the bones present in the joint may lose their regular shape. This condition forces more pain in the joints and it further restricts motion. Arthritis of the hand can be diagnosed by a doctor by testing the hand and by taking X-ray.
Specialized studies with the help of modern improved equipments like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are normally not required. Also, a scan in the affected area would be very helpful. The bone scan would support the doctor to diagnose arthritis even at an early stage; however, the X-rays would not show the early stage of arthritis. There is another medical procedure called arthroscopy, by which a doctors can view the joint by direct examination. During this procedure, the doctors put in a tiny camera into the joint to observe inside. It provides with the most clear-cut picture of the joint without making a huge incision. However, this is a trespassing operation and must not be utilized as an ordinary diagnostic tool.
Arthritis of the hand and wrist can also be treated through medication, injections, splinting, and surgery. However, the competence of the arthritis treatment is based on how far the disease is progressed; how many joints have been affected; the activity level, age, and other medical considerations of the patient; whether the affected hand is a dominant or a non-dominant one. Anti-inflammatory medications and Analgesic can normally be the first treatment utilized for hand arthritis. Resting the hand is also important in terms of re-habilitating the area- a hand or wrist support may be required to aid this re-habilitation.
