Learn about ARTHRITIS IN HANDS

Arthritis is one of the most severe disorders that is known to man, in the United States alone, there are over five million people living with arthritis. It can be very agonizing and frustrating when any of the hands are affected, this is because it can render such hand useless as long as it remains. Arthritis in the hand begins between at the ages of 30 and 40 years and is known to affect women about three times more than it affects men.

CAUSES OF ARTHRITIS IN HANDS

The real cause of hand arthritis or arthritis in general is not known yet, but it is believed that the immune system is involved, instead of it protecting the body from external attacks. It attacks the joint thereby bringing about inflammation and causing severe pains that are one of the characteristics of arthritis, in some cases. It may be inherited and in other cases, it may occur as a result of viral infection, which is aided by a substance known as the rheumatoid factor.

TREATMENT OF ARTHRITIS IN HANDS

Arthritis is diagnosed when there is a high level the rheumatoid factor in the blood during a medical test. This high level of the rheumatoid factor may also be expressed through symptoms. Medication, rest, exercise and joint protection are some of the forms of treating arthritis in hands. Special drugs are used to control inflammation thereby reducing pain, swelling and stiffness, in some cases. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used as alternatives treatment, in some severe cases. Corticosteroids may be prescribed for acute flare-ups other potent drugs exist for the purpose of treating arthritis in hands.

PREVENTION

A regular exercise program can be very helpful in the prevention of arthritis in hands as this helps in the maintenance of the health of the muscles which in turn ensure that the body is generally in good health, also having a regular rest period to help the body keep fit and help it stay more alive can help in the prevention of arthritis.