The stiffness of joints in the hands is related to a health issue called arthritis. It is important to note that arthritis involves inflammation of the joints. This condition affects millions of individuals all over the world.
Arthritis can cause swelling and stiffness of joints. There are various types of arthritis where some are common such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gouty arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Regardless of the cause, the individual should seek treatment as soon as possible in order to prevent the disease from becoming debilitating.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is considered as the most prevalent type of arthritis which involves wearing down of the cartilage. The cartilage is the material that covers the ends of the bones and facilitates easy gliding over one another. Once the cartilage wears down, the bones rub against one another, thus resulting to swelling and pain. This type of arthritis usually affects the knees, hips, lower back, neck and the hands.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is also a common type of arthritis. It is a chronic autoimmune condition caused by the presence of autoantibodies. The antibodies are proteins generated by the immune system once it encounters harmful invaders. The body produces antibodies against its own normal cells. This typically affects the hands and wrists and spreads to other parts of the body. The affected joints are symmetrical which means that the same joints on both sides of the body are involved.
What is gouty arthritis?
Gout involves the inflammation of one or several joints in the body due to the elevated blood levels of uric acid. The uric acid crystals are deposited into the joints which lead to inflammation. It typically affects the big toe joint but can affect any joint. This condition is marked by the presence of gout attacks that lasts for several days up to two weeks and remissions. This type of arthritis is usually monoarticular in which only one joint is affected.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Individuals who have psoriasis might also end up with arthritis. Psoriasis is a skin issue characterized by dry, thick patches of skin along with changes in the nails. Take note that arthritis does not develop until about 10 years after the manifestation of psoriasis.
The condition typically affects only one or several joints in the start of the disease and spreads to other joints. In some cases, the arthritis spreads to the chest, sacroiliac joint and spine. In addition, if the condition spreads to the fingers, it leads to disfigurement which is called arthritis mutilans.
What is systemic lupus erythematosus?
When it comes to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it is described as a chronic autoimmune condition that involves the inflammation of the organs and tissues in the body. The autoantibodies that attack the normal cells in the body can lead to the condition which may or may not be linked with arthritis. In most cases, at least two joints should be affected for diagnosis and usually symmetrical. Other symptoms include rashes on the noses and cheeks, fluid retention, oral ulcers, seizures and anemia.