What are the Most Common Arthritis Symptoms in the Hands?

Arthritis in the hand typically occurs with aging, though it can also develop due to infection, accident, or trauma. The most common arthritis symptoms in the hands include joint pain and swelling. In addition, those who have been diagnosed with arthritis in the hands often experience a decreased joint flexibility. Arthritis in the hands has been linked to increases in fatigue in some cases, as well as the development of small, painful cysts. Often, through early recognition and diagnosis, the more severe symptoms of arthritis in the hands can be treated. Prescription medications, hot and cold therapies, and even surgery are all possible remedies for arthritis pain.

Arthritis symptoms in the hands most often include high amounts of joint pain. Joint pain associated with arthritis in the hands typically is worse in the morning, and often decreases in severity over the course of the day. In addition, individuals who have been diagnosed with arthritis in the hands typically experience an increase in joint pain after periods when the joints were used for an extended period of time.

A swelling of the joints is another symptom. In regards to arthritis in the hands, swelling is most often caused by an increase in the production of fluid around joints. This occurs when surrounding cartilage is either damaged or lost due to age. Individuals who suffer from arthritis in the hands and experience joint swelling may notice an increase in the temperature of the joints in extreme cases.

Commonly, arthritis symptoms in the hands result in a decreased rate of flexibility of the joints. Research suggests that those who suffer from arthritis should perform range of movement exercises as much as possible — to the point of pain — in order to prevent further decreases in mobility. There are a variety of exercise that will both stretch and tone the muscles of the hand.

The development of small, painful cysts is also linked to arthritis symptoms in the hands. In most cases, these cysts are found near the end of the finger, close to the nail. While the cysts often provide constant pain, increases in severity occur when pressure is placed on them.

In some cases, arthritis in the hands may be linked to an increase in daily rates of fatigue. While some studies have found that the arthritis itself is not actually to blame for the increase in fatigue, higher efforts are often required to perform daily activities of living. This increased workload can make the person suffering from arthritis much more tired than usual.