Arthritis: The sign on the back of your fingers - symptoms

From express.co.uk

OSTEOARTHRITIS is the most common form of arthritis in the UK and causes the joints to become painful and stiff. Some symptoms are unusual, especially as they can develop on the hands

The NHS says osteoarthritis affects nearly nine million people nationwide. It is caused when the protective cartilage around the joints breaks down, causing swelling, pain and problems with joint movement. Furthermore, bony growths can develop and the area around the joint can become red and swollen. The cause of this form of arthritis is unknown.

What is known is a number of factors can increase a person’s risk of developing the condition such as joint injury, older age, a family history of arthritis, and obesity.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint tenderness, increased pain and stiffness when the joint has not been moved for a while, and joints appearing slightly larger than usual.

A grating or cracking sensation or sound in the joints, weakness, and muscle wasting are also symptoms of osteoarthritis. Signs of arthritis can also appear on the hand.

Osteoarthritis of the hand, says the NHS, normally affects “the base of your thumb, the joints closest to your fingertips, [and] the middle joints of your fingers”.

Furthermore, a person may develop cysts that appear on the backs of the fingers while the fingers themselves can become stiff, painful, and swollen. As well as cysts, bumps can develop too. These can be present on finger joints or at the base of the thumb.

                                Arthritis can affect any joint, including those on the hand. 

                                                   (Image: Getty Images)

There are a number of treatments for osteoarthritis including lifestyle measures, medication, and supportive therapies.

Exercise, experts recommend, is one of the key treatments for patients with osteoarthritis as it builds muscle and helps the joints to strengthen.

Furthermore, exercise can help a person to lose weight and therefore take weight off the joints so there’s less pressure exacted upon them.

A GP or doctor may prescribe a tailored exercise regime that will best help treat their patient's arthritis.

Meanwhile, a new study has looked into whether a particular action may increase or decrease the likelihood of someone developing arthritis. There has been debate over whether repeated cracking of the knuckles can cause arthritis. Dr Karl Kruszelnicki says he has the answer. 

In a video published on TikTok, Dr Kruszelnicki says the action won’t cause arthritis.

However, the doctor did say those who repeatedly crack their knuckles loose up to 75 percent of their ability to grip later in life. 
“There’s no strong evidence that cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis, however it could make it difficult to unscrew a jar,” said Dr Kruszelnicki.

So, while cracking one’s knuckles won’t necessarily lead to arthritis, it could make cooking more of a challenge in the long run.

For more information on arthritis contact the NHS or your GP.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1577637/arthritis-symptoms-signs-fingers-cysts