Do you have a slight ache in your hand that is growing increasingly unbearable? Different regions of the hand are affected by various kinds of arthritis and associated conditions. Pain, stiffness, edema, or numbness in the wrist and fingers are common symptoms. Pitted nails, severe sores, and thicker skin make flexing the fingers difficult are possible side effects. 

Read on for more information about conditions that affect the hands.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, often known as wear and tear arthritis, is incredibly common. It is linked to cartilage degradation in joints and can affect nearly every part of the body. It most often affects the hips, knees, and spine’s weight-bearing joints. The fingers, thumb, neck, and big toe are also affected. Unless there has been a previous injury, severe stress, or an underlying cartilage problem, osteoarthritis, commonly known as OA, typically does not affect other joints.

Juvenile Arthritis

The most prevalent kind of arthritis in children under the age of 16 is juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, it can cause joint discomfort, edema, and stiffness for a long time. Some children may only have symptoms for a few months, while others may experience them for years. 

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis can have significant consequences, including growth difficulties, joint damage, and ocular irritation. Controlling pain and inflammation, increasing function, and avoiding damage are the main goals of treatment.

Psoriatic Arthritis

In and around your joints, psoriatic arthritis can cause pain, edema, and stiffness. It generally affects those who already have psoriasis on their skin. Patches of red, raised skin with white and silvery flakes result from this. Arthritic symptoms can sometimes precede psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis is an uncommon condition in patients who do not have any visible psoriasis patches.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

The most prevalent kind of autoimmune arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A malfunction of the immune system brings it on. The wrist and tiny joints of the hand and foot become swollen and painful due to RA. 

Joint discomfort and edema can be reduced with RA treatments. Joint injury is also avoided with treatment. Long-term outcomes will be better if therapy is started early. Muscle strength may be increased by doing low-impact activities like walking and exercises regularly. This will enhance your overall health and relieve joint strain.

Lupus

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause pain and inflammation in any region of the body. It’s an autoimmune illness, which means that instead of fighting infections, your immune system or body’s defense mechanism targets healthy tissue. It can induce arthralgia or joint pain and inflammation in and around the joints, leading to arthritis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Lupus-related joint issues seldom result in long-term harm.

Conclusion

Just because you’re having hand and wrist discomfort doesn’t indicate you have one of the five conditions listed above. You must first obtain an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional. Stress fractures, nerve discomfort, and carpal tunnel syndrome are prevalent causes of hand and wrist pain. Do not self-diagnose if you are experiencing any discomfort. Discuss your symptoms with your primary care physician as soon as possible. A rheumatologist or orthopedist can obtain an accurate diagnosis, and you will be able to receive the medical care you require.

Through the help of qualified and experienced hand surgeons, risks are minimal. Hand & Wrist Center, led by Dr. Richard D. Curtis and Dr. Jose Baez, has been providing this since 1995. We are a state-of-the-art surgical facility in Jacksonville, Florida, staffed by a team of dedicated practitioners whose primary goal is to ease any hand or wrist discomfort you may experience. Get in touch with us today!