Early Signs of Arthritis in Fingers and Hands
There are many types of arthritis and related conditions that affect different parts of the fingers and hands. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, or numbness in the wrist and fingers. Pitted nails, painful sores, or thickened skin that makes bending the fingers difficult may also occur. Read on to learn about some signs of arthritis that affect the fingers and hands, and what can be done about it.
The two most common types of arthritis that affect the hands are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Hand osteoarthritis occurs when there is wear and tear of one or more joints of the hand usually as a result of aging. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the joints of the hand.
Early Signs of Arthritis in Fingers and Hands:
- Pain in some or all of the joints, including joints of the fingers, wrists, and thumbs
- Numbness in fingers
- Decreased range of motion of the affected joint
- Difficulty with motions that require gripping and twisting, such as opening a jar
- Pain in hands and fingers when using smartphone or remote control devices
- Swollen, red, or warm joints
- Stiffness in the fingers, especially in the morning in those who have rheumatoid arthritis
- Growth of lumps, or nodules, under the skin of the hands in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- The growth of bony knobs on finger joints
- Fingers that look like “swollen sausages” in those with psoriatic arthritis
There is no cure for arthritis, but there are different medications and supplements that can ease its symptoms. Most treatments are aimed at remission, where the patient has few or no symptoms. When treatment is started early in the disease process, this can help minimize or slow damage to the joints and improve the quality of life for patients. Treatment usually involves a combination of medication, supplements, exercise, rest, and protecting the joints. In extreme cases, surgery may be required.
Medications used to reduce pain such as analgesics, and inflammation (NSAIDs) are fast-acting and can relieve symptoms quickly. Medications such as DMARDs and biologic drugs take longer to have an effect, but they can help prevent inflammation and joint damage. However, these medicines are to be taken for a short duration, and with minimal dose to help the symptoms because of the potential side effects. Damage to the stomach, kidneys and liver can occur with prolonged use. They can be addictive, and your body builds up a tolerance over time. They mask pain and do not treat symptoms.