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Osteoarthritis of the hand is a condition where the smooth, protective cartilage inside your finger joints wears down. This "wear and tear" most often affects three places: the joint at the base of your thumb, the middle joint of your fingers, and the joint closest to your fingertip. When the cartilage is gone, bone can rub on bone, causing pain.
read more about osteoarthritis of the hand ...The main cause is the gradual wear on the joints that happens over many years of use. Your risk is higher as you get older. It also has a strong genetic link, which means it often runs in families. Past injuries to your hand or fingers can also make you more likely to develop osteoarthritis in those joints later in life.
The most common symptoms are pain and stiffness, especially in the morning. Your joints may feel achy, tender, or swollen. You might also notice hard, bony bumps forming on your finger joints. These bumps are called nodes. Over time, you may lose your grip strength and find it hard to do tasks like opening a jar or turning a key.
A doctor can often diagnose hand osteoarthritis just by looking at your hands and talking to you about your symptoms. They will look for the bony nodes, check your grip, and see how your joints move. An X-ray can confirm the diagnosis. It will show if the space between your bones has become narrow, which is a sign of cartilage loss.
There is no cure, but treatment can help a lot with the pain. Simple treatments include pain-relieving creams or pills like ibuprofen. Special hand exercises can keep your joints moving. A splint, especially for your thumb, can support the joint and give it a rest. For severe cases, a doctor may suggest injections or surgery.
What are these hard bumps on my finger joints?
These are very common in hand osteoarthritis. They are bony growths called nodes. The ones at the end of the finger are Heberden's nodes, and the ones in the middle are Bouchard's nodes.
Will hand exercises make my joints worse?
No. Gentle motion exercises can help reduce stiffness and keep your fingers working. A physical therapist can show you the right kind of exercises to do.
Can I prevent this?
You cannot prevent it if it runs in your family. However, you can help protect your joints by being careful to avoid injuries to your hands.
You should see a doctor if you have hand, thumb, or finger pain that does not go away. If joint stiffness and weakness are starting to make it hard for you to do your daily tasks, like buttoning a shirt or writing, it is time to get it checked. A doctor can give you a clear diagnosis and help you find the right treatments.