Hand arthritis is the most common form of arthritis that mainly affects the fingers. As in most forms of arthritis the joints become inflamed resulting in pain. Essentially, a joint is made up of two bones that are covered by cartilage and are conjoined together moving smoothly across each other. If this smooth surface becomes damaged or wears out over time, arthritis will result

Have you ever felt really ill and remembered a time when you felt healthy and just wished that you could feel like this once more? We all take good health for granted and it is not until we do not have this well being, that we miss it! Well arthritis in the hands is a very similar concept. When your joints ache and you are suffering from each small movement as your fingers are swollen or stiff or just plain sore, then arthritis becomes an every day challenge. Just doing up a button or picking something up can present a huge challenge.

When you consider how much we use our hands and how much we rely on our hands, if wear and tear causes degenerative types of arthritis, it is no wonder really. All joints get used but we use our hands probably more than any other joints on our entire body!

Physical therapy for hand arthritis has also proven to be very effective as a treatment option. There are specific exercises, which can help in loosening the stiffened joints caused by the hand arthritis. Steroids can also be injected locally into the affected area, however this is only a form of pain relief, and certainly not a long-term treatment option for hand arthritis.

Hand arthritis can be an extremely debilitating condition, however with proper diagnosis by your doctor or physician the symptoms can be effectively managed and rehabilitation can take place. Like most forms of arthritis early diagnosis is the key to aiding recovery in hand arthritis.