Having arthritis is no joke no matter what it is. Having arthritis in the hands is even worse as you really do need you hands for so much that they are really taken for granted. What arthritis is, is where the bone has become worn down and there is an uneven rubbing against the joints. This uneven rubbing can be very painful.

Now to understand the hand, you need to be aware of how it is constructed. There are 27 bones in the hands and 2 bones make up the wrist. Within the two bones that create the wrist – this is made up of 9 main bones and 8 smaller bones. As already mentioned if arthritis in the hands does develop it can even get to the point where a person is classed as disabled.

One type of arthritis is referred to as rheumatoid arthritis and this causes problems for the cells that line the joints in order to keep them smooth and keep mobility easy. It can happen anywhere and can affect both hands, knees and feet also. The joint normally becomes inflamed and the bone simply erodes away over time.

Sometimes deformity and disability can develop due to this eroding of the joints, and in some cases the swelling can spread to other areas which are used to connect the muscles to the bones and this can lead to what is commonly known as a ruptured tendon. Arthritis in the hands normally affects the knuckles, fingers and wrist.


So what is the treatment?

The treatment that is available is for restoring movement within the hand for also relieving any pain. Medications are available which aim to prevent the progress of the arthritis and from stopping it from being worse. There are also steroids and injections that are also available to slow down the arthritis from developing.

You may also want to see a specialist therapist who deals with hands as well as being given splints in order to take away any pressure from the hands.

Should the arthritis get to a point where the tendons have become ruptured you may have problems straightening or even bending your fingers. And in such cases the only alternative treatment available will be surgery. The aim of the operation will be to remove any inflammation and possible replacing new joints.

Should the bones be badly damaged then part of the bone may have to be party removed, but will depend very much on how much damage has actually been done. Your surgeon will be able to give you the best advice possible and what options are available.

Simply put there is no cure for arthritis but there are many treatments and options available which will help you to control the condition from spreading or even getting worse. Early detection with immediate treatment will always be better rather than ignoring the problem which can lead to disability.