health sectionhealth sectionIndex finger arthritis is the degeneration of the cartilage between finger bones. A person can get index finger arthritis as he ages or as a result of certain conditions or injuries. Treatments can vary from topical solutions to various medications or exercises.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), at least one in five people has arthritis in one joint, making arthritis the leading cause of disability in the United States. When arthritis occurs in joints of the fingers, it makes simple daily activities painful and difficult to accomplish. With a number of therapies available to choose from, finding the best treatment option can be a challenge.
According to the article, "Finger Joint Arthritis" by the Internet Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma at Orthogate.net, "In rheumatoid arthritis, the fingers often become deformed as the disease progresses. The MCP joints of the fingers may actually begin to point sideways." Typical treatment for reversing arthritis symptoms includes rest, ice, heat, medication and exercise. Reversing finger deformities may take longer and require additional medication and possibly even surgery or alternative medical treatments.
Hands that are suddenly sore, stiff in the morning or whose joints are painful and swollen may be showing signs of arthritis. If your fingers are bothering you, a correct diagnosis is important for your physician to treat the symptoms. Find out how arthritis is diagnosed and what kinds of arthritis may be causing your pain.
Arthritis in the middle finger affects the articular cartilage in the two interphalangeal between knuckle and finger tip joints, according to rheumatologist, Dr. Nathan Wei, in his article Arthritis Finger on Arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com. The cartilage in either middle finger joint degenerates over time and increases friction between the finger bones. This can cause the swelling, inflammation and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis (affects lining of joints) usually starts in the middle finger. Easing arthritis in the middle finger usually entails a combination of treatments, including rest, immobilization, ice, heat, medication and exercise.
There are different types of finger arthritis, including distal interphalangeal (DIP), osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. All can cause severe inflammation and pain because the cartilage has worn down between the finger bones. According to the article "A Patient's Guide to Arthritis of the Finger Joints" by Handuniversity.com, a reputable resource run by orthopedic doctors, "pain usually only causes problems when you begin an activity. Once the activity gets underway, the pain eases." Treatment usually includes a combination of rest, ice, heat, medication, and exercise.
Arthritis is a condition where a joint within the body becomes inflamed due to some sort of damage to the cartilage, membrane or even bone. This damage may be a result of use, overuse, injury or a person's immune system. It really varies from person to person what has caused the development of this condition. When arthritis affects a person's fingers, he'll more than likely know it, as the condition brings with it a number of signs and symptoms that can be hard to miss.
Arthritis in the fingers can be caused by two different scenarios, which are both diagnosed and treated in a similar fashion. However, a full set of tests are required to properly identify the cause of the arthritis, which will then allow the doctor to properly treat the symptoms.
