What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) of the Hand?
Arthritis in the hands is a common condition that may impact both the hand and the wrist. Our hands are comprised of numerous small joints that allow us to perform everyday tasks from typing to lifting. Surrounded by cartilage, our hand joints allow for smooth joint movements, but over time, our joints can lose cartilage due to age, injury, or disease. After cartilage is lost, movements can become painful, and the joints may become inflamed, resulting in hand arthritis.
Hand arthritis symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness. If hand arthritis is not treated, our bones may become misshapen resulting in loss of hand mobility and daily pain. Anti-inflammatory medications, injections to the hand joints, or daily exercise can provide hand pain relief; though, if hand pain continues, you may consider seeing a specialist.
An Overview of Hand Arthritis
See a Specialist
To learn more about treatment options for arthritis, please request an appointment online, or call 509-344-HAND (4263).
Appointment Resources
Once you have scheduled your appointment with one of our hand doctors, please use the link below to obtain our new patient forms and browse through our tips and suggestions on preparing for your appointment.