Arthritis Hands: An Overview
The hand is comprised of many small bones and joints that work together to produce complex but vital movement. In fact, there are 27 bones in the hand and wrist making 22 joints to become inflamed in the case of arthritis. Arthritis of the hands is very common affecting as many as 20% of the population over the age of 50 but affects younger people as well.
Causes of Arthritis of the Hands
Arthritis is inflammation of the joint and the erosion of the cartilage inside of the joint. Cartilage lines each joint providing for smooth gliding motion. Cartilage is lost through inflammatory processes such as rheumatoid arthritis or through degeneration from aging or joint damage from overuse or injury. The body attempts to make up for lost cartilage by filling the joint space with synovial fluid. Swelling of the joint produces stiffness and stretching of the joint causing pain.
If left untreated bone ends can begin to erode and joints may change shape, further limiting movement of the wrists, thumbs and fingers.
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