Hand

Osteoarthritis of the Hand

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cushioning cartilage that covers the bone surfaces at joints begins to wear out. It may be caused by simple "wear and tear" on joints, or it may develop after an injury. Arthritis of the hand can be both painful and disabling.

Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, loss of motion and pain. Bony nodules, which are small knots or swellings, may develop. When at the middle joint of one or more fingers, these swellings are called Bouchard's nodes. When located at the fingertip, they are called Heberden's nodes. The joints become enlarged and the fingers crooked.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007