Unfortunately, the most common cause of hand pain is osteoarthritis. It is associated, among others, with joint pain, which makes it difficult to perform everyday activities. This problem affects every third Pole. How do you know when to worry and what can you do about it?
First, you need to answer a few questions:
- How long does the pain last?
- Where is it located?
- Do swellings appear at the same time?
The basis is to determine whether the pain is associated with inflammation or whether it was caused by a non-inflammatory background. Of course, such matters are left to the discretion of the physician.
Inflammatory joint diseases are mainly psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus. The most common non-inflammatory cause is osteoarthritis, which is the most common cause of hand pain.
Osteoarthritis – when it occurs and how to recognize it
Its onset usually takes place between the ages of 40 and 60, i.e. it affects people who are active in life and professionally. It is otherwise called arthrosis. First, it leads to the wear of the articular cartilage, then the other elements of the joint are also destroyed. Tendons, ligaments, bones and synovium are damaged. This disease also affects the hip, knee and spine joints, but it also occurs within the hands themselves.
Most often, the problem is the distal interphalangeal joints, occurring in the tips of the fingers, or the intermediate ones (occurring in the middle). The joint most at risk, however, is the one at the base of the thumb. Therefore, the effect of the disease is to make it difficult to perform the simplest activities, because the grip is weakened. Fastening a button, tying a shoelace, holding a glass becomes a problem. Symptoms of osteoarthritis (it progresses quite slowly):
- The appearance of nodules on the joints of the fingers.
- The nodules cause limitation of joint mobility over time, stiffening and numbness of the fingers (e.g. after waking up).
- Over time, there is swelling of the surface of the hands.
- There may also be an inflammation manifested by increased body temperature, redness and swelling.
Treatment will be required
To determine whether we are dealing with this disease, it is necessary to take radiological pictures, i.e. tomography or X-ray. In this way, the doctor will assess the condition of the articular cartilage. During treatment, the basis is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or paracetamol, which will reduce pain. In addition, massages are effective, as well as cryotherapy (cold treatment) and hydrotherapy. When it comes to home remedies for pain and stiffness in the hands, cold compresses or ice packs, or warm towel or hot water bottles, are a good method.