Early signs of hand arthritis: Symptoms you should never ignore

Early indications of hand arthritis should not be ignored, as they may signal a serious condition. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness in the fingers or thumb base. Dr Ashish Phadnis, an Orthopaedic specialist, notes that these issues may begin as minor aches but worsen with activities like gripping, opening jars, or making a fist.

Morning stiffness, which typically eases after movement, may persist for more than an hour, suggesting an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis. Other signs comprise reduced flexibility and a grinding sensation during finger movement. Hand arthritis can impede tasks requiring a strong grip, fine motor skills, and precise finger control.

Activities such as buttoning clothes, writing, holding a cup, turning keys, or using smartphones can become painful. As the disease advances, pain and stiffness can limit hand mobility, exacerbating difficulty in performing these tasks. Unlike arthritis in weight-bearing joints, such as knees and hips, hand arthritis targets grip strength, finger movement, and coordination.

Osteoarthritis typically impacts the fingertips, middle joints of the fingers, and the thumb's base. Rheumatoid arthritis, however, tends to affect corresponding joints symmetrically in both hands, causing pain, swelling, and prolonged morning stiffness exceeding an hour. If persistent hand pain, swelling, or stiffness persists beyond a few weeks, or if symptoms include prolonged morning stiffness, difficulty gripping, joint swelling, or altered finger alignment, it is crucial to consult an orthopaedic specialist for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent significant joint damage and loss of function.