My Hand Hurts… How Can I Tell If I Have Arthritis?
from Content4Reprint

Hand pain is one of the most common afflictions seen in a rheumatologist’s office. The diagnosis is often difficult to make because there are so many conditions that can cause pain in the hand.

Pain is a symptom- much like fever is- and it is not a diagnosis. Establishing the underlying cause of hand pain is important because some conditions that account for hand pain can lead to loss of normal function.

Here are a few of the common causes:

Arthritis at the base of the thumb

This occurs when the joint between the wrist and the base of the thumb develops osteoarthritis. The condition is more common after the age of 40. A combination of factors, including genetics, aging, injury, and repetitive motion may lead to thumb arthritis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a sometimes a grinding sensation at the base of the thumb. Grip requiring apposition (thumb opposite the rest of the fingers) causes pain.

Trigger finger

This problem is called stenosing tenosynovitis. It is an often painful condition where one or more fingers catches or locks as the digit or digits are bent or straightened. In severe cases, the finger may become locked in a bent or straightened position so that it can’t be moved any farther. The cause of this problem is a thickening of the tendon sheath, the lining which surrounds the finger tendon. Trigger finger is more common in people whose vocation or hobby requires repetitive gripping motion. It is also more common in those with certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Ganglion cyst

These cysts are fluid-filled bumps that occur on the wrist or finger joints. They are not malignant. Ganglion cysts typically develop along the tendons or joints of the wrist and hands. The cysts are filled with a thick gel-like fluid. They are most often painless, but not always. Ganglion cysts can cause pain, weakness or numbness in the hand if they exert pressure on nerves. The cause of ganglion cysts isn’t clear. They occur more commonly in patients with osteoarthritis or with injured joints or tendons. Ganglion cysts are demonstrated well with the use of ultrasound. If necessary, because of painful symptoms, these cysts can be aspirated with a needle using ultrasound guidance.

 

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