Hand & Wrist Arthritis: A Guide to Types and Causes

Our hands are essential for almost every daily activity, from gripping a coffee mug to typing an email. When pain and stiffness from arthritis settle into the hands and wrists, it can significantly disrupt our lives. Understanding the condition is the first step toward managing it effectively.

This guide will explain the different types of arthritis that can affect your hands and wrists, explore their common causes, and outline the symptoms to watch for. With this knowledge, you can better understand your condition and seek the right medical support to regain function and improve your quality of life.

What Is Hand and Wrist Arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term for conditions that cause inflammation in the joints. The hand and wrist are complex structures made up of many small joints, all of which can be susceptible to arthritis. When the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of your bones wears down, the bones can rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

This condition can affect anyone, but it becomes more common with age. It can impact a single joint or multiple joints throughout the hand and wrist, making simple tasks feel monumental.

Common Types of Arthritis in the Hand and Wrist

While there are over 100 types of arthritis, a few are most likely to affect the hands and wrists. Identifying the specific type you have is crucial, as it will determine the most effective treatment plan.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Often called "wear-and-tear" arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones gradually deteriorates over time. As the cartilage wears away, bone-on-bone friction develops, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Key characteristics of OA in the hand:

It often affects the joint at the base of the thumb (carpometacarpal joint), the joints closest to the fingertips (distal interphalangeal joints), and the middle joints of the fingers (proximal interphalangeal joints).
Symptoms tend to develop slowly and worsen over many years.
You might notice hard, bony growths, known as nodes or bone spurs, around the affected joints.
The pain often feels like a deep ache and can be worse after repetitive use or in the morning.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In the case of RA, the immune system targets the synovium, the lining of the joints. This attack causes inflammation that thickens the synovium, eventually leading to the destruction of cartilage and bone within the joint.

Key characteristics of RA in the hand:

RA typically affects joints symmetrically, meaning if a joint in your left hand is affected, the same joint in your right hand probably will be too.
The small joints of the wrists, hands, and fingers are commonly affected.
Symptoms often include pain, prolonged morning stiffness (lasting more than 30 minutes), swelling, and warmth in the joints.
Over time, RA can cause joint deformities, such as fingers drifting toward the pinky side (ulnar deviation).
Unlike OA, RA is a systemic disease, meaning it can affect other parts of the body, causing fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

Psoriatic arthritis is another autoimmune condition that affects some people who have psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red patches of skin topped with silvery scales. Like RA, PsA occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues. This inflammatory response can cause swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints.

Key characteristics of PsA in the hand:

It can affect any joint in the hand but often causes a sausage-like swelling in the fingers or toes, known as dactylitis.
Nail changes, such as pitting or separation from the nail bed, are common.
The pattern of joint involvement can vary, sometimes affecting joints on one side of the body more than the other.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

This type of arthritis develops after a physical injury to a joint, such as a fracture, dislocation, or severe sprain. The injury can damage the cartilage or bone, altering the joint's mechanics and leading to premature wear and tear. Symptoms might not appear until years after the initial injury. Post-traumatic arthritis is responsible for about 12% of all osteoarthritis cases, particularly in weight-bearing joints, but it can also affect the hands and wrists following a significant trauma.

What Causes Hand and Wrist Arthritis?

The causes of hand and wrist arthritis vary depending on the type.

Age: The risk for most types of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, increases with age as cartilage naturally becomes more brittle and has less capacity to repair itself.
Genetics: A family history of arthritis can increase your likelihood of developing the condition. Certain genetic markers are associated with a higher risk for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.
Autoimmune Factors: In conditions like RA and PsA, a malfunctioning immune system is the primary cause. The triggers for this autoimmune response are not fully understood but are believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Previous Injuries: As seen with post-traumatic arthritis, a history of fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears in the hand or wrist can accelerate cartilage breakdown.
Repetitive Stress: Jobs or hobbies that involve repetitive hand and wrist motions can place excess stress on the joints, potentially contributing to the development of osteoarthritis over time.
Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Obesity: While more commonly associated with arthritis in weight-bearing joints, excess weight can contribute to systemic inflammation, which may play a role in inflammatory types of arthritis.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come and go. Common signs of arthritis in the hands and wrists include:

Pain: This is often the first and most noticeable symptom. The pain can be a dull ache or a sharp, burning sensation.
Swelling: The affected joints may appear swollen and feel warm to the touch.
Stiffness: Morning stiffness is a classic sign, particularly with rheumatoid arthritis. You may find it difficult to move your fingers or bend your wrist upon waking.
Crepitus: You might hear or feel a grinding, clicking, or cracking sensation (crepitus) when you move the affected joint.
Reduced Range of Motion: As the condition progresses, you may find it harder to perform tasks that require fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirt or opening a jar.
Changes in Appearance: The joints may look larger than normal, or you may notice bony lumps (bone spurs) or joint deformities over time.

Find Relief for Your Hand and Wrist Pain

Living with hand and wrist arthritis can be challenging, but it doesn't have to mean giving up the activities you love. The first step toward effective management is getting an accurate diagnosis from a qualified medical professional. An expert can identify the type and severity of your arthritis and create a personalized treatment plan to help you manage pain, preserve joint function, and maintain your quality of life.

If you are experiencing persistent pain, stiffness, or swelling in your hands or wrists, don't wait for the symptoms to worsen. If you're searching for an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona, FL, the specialists at Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward finding lasting relief.