conditions
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a broad definition given to conditions that cause inflammation in and around the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, two of the main types are described below.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is an inflammatory disease affecting the body systemically (generalised, affecting the whole body), causing synovitis (inflammation of the synovial fluid and synovial membranes that surround the joints and tendons) which in time causes damage to cartilage (the smooth lining at the end of the bone) and adjacent bone, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Diagnosis can be confirmed only by gaining a clinical picture including the history, presentation and through blood tests (to check for changes in the blood related to inflammation) and x-ray (to assess for damage to the joints). Early diagnosis is vital to ensure treatment can start as soon as possible. The disease can be treated with medication and advice.
Symptoms can include:
- Hot, swollen, painful, stiff joints
- Damage to soft tissues
- Stiffness in the morning
- Reduced grip and ability to carry out grip related activities
- Joint deformities
- Reduced sensation related to nerve compression
For more information about Rheumatoid Arthritis follow these two different links:
Osteoarthritis
This form of arthritis is a degenerative disease where the articular (joint) surfaces are damaged, the normal space between bone ends (joint space) is narrowed, there may be a presence of small cysts in the joint surface, and sometimes osteophytes are present (extra small pieces of bone formed by the body in the affected joint that block movement).
Osteoarthritis may be linked to previous injury, it may occur due to abnormal alignment of bones (for example following ligament damage in the wrist), it can be hereditary and is linked to obesity and some congenital conditions.
Symptoms include:
- pain,
- stiffness,
- reduced range of movement,
- localised swelling,
- joint deformity (normally seen in later stages).
For more information about Osteoarthritis follow these two different links:
How can a Hand Therapist or Hand Surgeon help with arthritis affecting the hand and hand function?
Hand Therapists are able to advise on how to look after the joints, aiming to promote function at the same time as prevent deformity. They also fabricate custom-made splints for rest and pain relief and /or for functional support and provide advice about managing pain and activities of daily living through the use of energy conservation techniques.
Hand Surgeons may be consulted regarding specific joint or soft tissue damage that may be helped with surgery, for example tendons that have ruptured; or damaged joints that may be considered for replacement with a prosthetic joint.
