As an autoimmune disease, it can occur even if you're otherwise healthy. Unlike osteoarthritis, there is no way to completely prevent RA. A blood test for rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies can help diagnosis this form of arthritis.

RA commonly impacts joints in the fingers, hand, wrist, and knees. This results in pain, swelling, and even damage to the joint. As a result, it sends immune cells to the site (specifically, inflammation-causing cells). When someone has rheumatoid arthritis, their body mistakenly identifies joint tissues as foreign. While incredibly good at this function, the immune system can sometimes mistake your own tissues as a foreign invader and inflict self-harm - this is the basis for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The immune system is extremely complex, generally able to identify foreign invaders and eliminate them before they have a chance to threaten your health. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another form of arthritis, though it has little to do with wear and tear and everything to do with your immune system. While these can provide a baseline for getting relief, you may need to consult with your doctor to find the best option for you and your situation. Easing the workload on your hands, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and using anti-inflammatory medications can provide some relief for joint pain. While osteoarthritis in the hands is not fully 'curable', there are steps you can take to minimize discomfort. Learning proper hand positioning for repetitive motions such as typing, playing an instrument, or sewing can help to reduce wear and tear on joints further down the road. In the case of hand osteoarthritis, you should try to practice good technique for whatever task you're doing. The best way to help osteoarthritis is to prevent it in the first place by taking care of your joints. Frequent motions performed by the hand, such as those of typists, musicians, and tailors, can also lead to this form of wear and tear, sometimes presenting as numbness or fatigue. The knee joint is especially susceptible to osteoarthritis because it bears the weight of the body for so long, but osteoarthritis in the hands, thumb, or proximal interphalangeal joints (the joints closest to the tip of your finger) are also common. OA can present as inflammation, pain, and stiffness across the joint and ligament. Over time, the cartilage between bones in joints begins to deteriorate, and once worn away, you may experience pain or discomfort from bone-to-bone contact. Cartilage is the barrier tissue found between bones at joint connections, and it acts as a protectant between bones to avoid bone-on-bone friction. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common form of arthritis that happens due to wear and tear over time. There are many types of arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis arthritis has a number of causes and can emerge as a result of genetics, over-use or prolonged use, or direct injury. OsteoarthritisĪrthritis is the medical term to describe joint inflammation. īelow is a closer look at your finger joints, reasons why these joints may hurt, as well as some things you can try for relief. But that ingenuity also increases the probability of experiencing joint pain in that part of your body there are over 40 joints in your hands alone.

The hands have a lot of joints in a relatively small region, the reason for their ability to perform precise movements. Knees and hips are common sources of joint pain, with joint pain in the hands and fingers coming in a close second. Joint issues tend to create problems for many people later in life as wear-and-tear manifests as pain and discomfort. It's estimated that the human body contains around 360 joints.

They act as the pivot point by which muscles, tendons, and ligaments are able to pull and move a part of the body. Joints are an integral part of this system. The musculoskeletal system encompasses the bones, muscles, and connective tissue that allow you to stay upright and moving.

Misshapen finger joints