Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that commonly affects the hands and fingers. This condition can lead to significant pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joints, often impacting daily activities and quality of life.
The most common symptoms of RA in the hands include:
Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the hands and fingers.
Numbness and tingling, akin to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Warm and tender joints.
Misshapen joints in the wrist or fingers, including Boutonniere and swan-neck deformities.
Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.
RA often initially targets smaller joints, particularly the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints or large knuckles, and the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints or middle knuckles. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis pain can be sudden, intensifying rapidly within 24 to 48 hours.
In the early stages of RA, symptoms like stiffness and pain in the hands may improve with movement, but as the condition progresses, more pronounced symptoms and joint deformity can occur. Various treatment options are available to help relieve pain, enhance mobility, and prevent further joint damage.
For more detailed information on RA in hands, visit RheumatoidArthritis.org, Mayo Clinic, Verywell Health, The Hand Society, and Arthritis-health for further reading. Additionally, explore hand therapies specifically designed for RA at Arthritis.org and learn about early-stage RA in hands at Medical News Today.
