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Five Causes of Osteoarthritis of the Hand

Do the joints in your fingers hurt? Is it difficult to open a jar without pain? If so, osteoarthritis could be to blame.

Osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative arthritis) is a disease that affects the cartilage in your joints. Joints are formed when two or more bones meet. Cartilage surrounds the end of the bones giving cushion to the joint which allows for frictionless motion to occur. When the cartilage becomes irritated and inflamed, whether from an injury or chronic condition, it may cause the cartilage to wear down. When the cartilage deteriorates or wears down, the bone next to it becomes inflamed and rough causing bone-on-bone friction, potentially changing the structure of the joint.

Osteoarthritis can occur in one or more joints anywhere in the body and can cause pain and deformity and often decrease the range of motion of the joint.

Five causes of osteoarthritis:

  1. Age – Osteoarthritis often develops from wear and tear on the joints.
  2. Traumatic injuries such as a fracture – Traumatic damage to the stability or alignment of a joint may cause joint irritation and inflammation, causing cartilage deterioration.
  3. Joint infections
  4. Overuse
  5. Inheritance – Some people inherit the tendency to develop osteoarthritis, although it is not well understood how this occurs.

Osteoarthritis affects many individuals, especially the older population. At present, there is no known cure.  If you are experiencing symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hand, our expert hand specialists are here to help you. Contact us today.

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