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Causes and Symptoms of Hand Arthritis
Posted on 12-20-2024 in Hand, arthritis & hand arthritis by Dr. Alex Coleman, Dr. Steven Kronlage, Dr. James Piorkowski
Posted on 12-20-2024 in Hand, arthritis & hand arthritis by Dr. Alex Coleman, Dr. Steven Kronlage, Dr. James Piorkowski
According to the National Arthritis Foundation, 53 million Americans are impacted by arthritis, making it the leading cause of disability in the country. By 2030, the organization expects that number to rise to 67 million adults and children. To bring attention to this debilitating disease, we join the Foundation in recognizing National Arthritis Awareness Month during May. To kick things off, our latest blog post below highlights the causes and symptoms of Hand Arthritis.
In general, arthritis can have more than one cause and come in more than 100 forms, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. However, the disease is divided into three major categories, which include:
When hand arthritis occurs in the absence of trauma, the onset of symptoms is typically gradual, and the cartilage breaks down over a long time. While symptoms can vary based on the type of arthritis, in the early stages, most patients experience a combination of the following:
When arthritis occurs as a result of trauma, such as a fracture or dislocation, the joint is more likely to become arthritic over time, even if properly treated. The trauma itself might damage the cartilage at the time of injury, or a fracture may heal out of position, leading to an uneven joint surface or an abnormal angle at the joint, causing the gradual development of arthritis.
If you currently suffer from hand arthritis, our fellowship-trained physicians are available to help diagnose your condition and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Dr. Alex Coleman, Dr. Steven Kronlage and Dr. James Piorkowski work closely with patients to diagnose and treat this and other debilitating conditions of the hand and upper extremities. Please contact our office at 850-807-4200 or complete our online Appointment Request form to schedule a visit with one of our Hand Center physicians.
For additional insight into arthritis, check out our other articles on What You Should Know About Wrist Arthritis, Treatment Options for Thumb Arthritis, Diagnosing & Managing Arthritis, Arthritis Treatments, Arthritis & Hyaluronic Acid, Treating Ankle Arthritis and Symptoms of Ankle Arthritis.
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