Arthritis symptoms: Do I have arthritis in my hands? Two early indicators

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS - could you be affected? The joint disease can occur at any age, so it's possible you might have it if you experience bothersome symptoms. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the less damage that might be done

The hand and wrist have multiple small joints that work together to help you get by – you use them to type, write, tie a shoelace and grip onto shopping bags. However, untreated arthritis can lead to difficulty. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) pointed out that inflammation is the common denominator of arthritis. In healthy joints, smooth and slippery tissue called cartilage covers the end of the bones. This provides a gliding surface for the joint, which is lubricated by an oil-like fluid. However, when arthritis develops (particularly osteoarthritis), cartilage is worn away.

The most common types of arthritis

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Gout

As the condition progresses, symptoms begin to emerge. For example, in the hands, one of the early indicators is a "dull" pain.

"The pain often occurs after periods of increased joint use, such as heavy gripping or grasping," said the AAOS.

(Image: Getty)

The dull ache may not appear straight away after increased activity, it may show up hour or even days later.

Another key indicator of arthritis in the hand is a "burning sensation".

These types of pain are also typical first thing in the morning and may be accompanied by stiffness. In later stages of the disease, the pain may be so bothersome that it wakes you up during the night.

The AAOS explained that as even more cartilage wears away, there is "less material to provide shock absorption", and so symptoms will emerge more frequently.

Arthritis pain may be exacerbated by activity, which is hard not to do when your hands help with so much of daily life.

Even opening up a jar, or turning the key to get indoors, could cause a twinge of pain.

For some people, joints may feel even more painful when the weather is rainy. As pain becomes increasingly more common in the joints, swelling might occur. The body's inflammatory response may lead the affected area to feel warm to touch.

Moving the affected joints might lead to a grating sensation, known as crepitation. This is caused by damaged cartilage surfaces grinding against one another. The joints may even become loose in the advanced stages of arthritis, meaning the joint becomes misshapen. This can lead to a pronounced knobbly appearance along the fingers, and small cysts might develop.

A doctor can diagnose arthritis of the hand by taking a look and organising an X-ray.

Sometimes, a bone scan can be helpful, which can identify arthritis in the earlier stages – even when it doesn't show up on a X-ray.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1417787/arthritis-symptoms-signs-dull-burning-sensation-hands