ARTHRITIS – RHEUMATOID AND OSTEOARTHRITIS
(elbow, wrist, hand and fingers)

Arthritis is a medical term for a condition that causes inflammation of your joints and is a condition that affects about 1 in every 5 U.S. adults.There are more than 100 types of arthritis but the most common types are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. These two conditions cause chronic pain and restricted mobility.  

CAUSES

Normal Wear and tear is one of the most common causes
Autoimmune disorder is another common form of arthritis. The organizam immune system attacks the soft tissue in the joints. 
Reduction of cartilage tissue 
Injury
Family history of arthritis 

TYPES

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms and happens due to the normal “wear and tear” of the joint during daily activities. This degenerative condition breaks down the protective cartilage that surrounds the ends of the bones, causing the bones to rub together. As the cartilage wears away the friction that happens when a person moves causes inflammation. It can be extremely painful especially when the cartilage is completely worn off and there is a condition called “bone to bone” making the bones rub together. 
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder causing the body’s immune system to attack the body’s own cells and tissues. This causes inflammation in the lining of your joints making them swollen, stiff, warm and painful. Unlike Osteoarthritis, this type of chronic joint pain and stiffness can be mildly improved with gentle movements. 

SYMPTOMS

HAND ARTHRITIS

  • Pain and burning sensation in the hand joints
  • Warm feeling due to the inflamation
  • Swelling
  • Cysts on the fingers
  • Grinding of the joint inside the hand

WRIST ARTHRITIS

  • Lack of strength 
  • Pain 
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty of moving the wrist

ELBOW ARTHRITIS

  • Limited ability to move the elbow
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Tingling sensation and numbness in the pinky fingers

THUMB ARTHRITIS 

Thumb arthritis is a type of osteoarthritis that happens when the cartilage from the base of the thumb wears away. People working with their hands and performing repetitive movements are more likely to develop this type of arthritis. Basal joint fractures or ligament injuries can also increase the chances of developing thumb arthritis. 
If is left untreated Thumb Arthritis can cause severe pain and difficulties in performing daily activities. 
Symptoms of Thumb Arthritis:

  • Pain in the base of the thumb
  • Pain when applying pressure to the heel of the hand
  • Stiffness in the morning
  • Swelling and tenderness in the thumb area
  • Limited range of motion

Rheumatoid arthritis in the hand, wrist elbow or fingers can also cause:

  • A weak grip
  • Difficulty using the hand
  • Pain in the knuckles
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Fever

TREATMENT

  • Joint injections
  • Nerve blocks 
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Physical therapy
  • NSAID