The hand is made up of 27 bones… What joint diseases are suspected to be causing the pain?

The part of the body that works hard every day is the hands, right?

Did you know that your hand is made up of 27 bones?

It's surprising how different joint diseases can be, depending on the area of ​​pain felt in the hand.

Other than arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, other diseases are completely unfamiliar to me.

Because the disease that can be suspected varies depending on the area of ​​pain that occurs in the hand,

If the pain persists, do not tolerate it. Be sure to check and receive appropriate treatment.

 

 

The hand consists of 27 small bones, forming a complex joint. Because the hand itself requires extremely precise movement, it moves frequently to perform a variety of tasks.

However, hands are prone to repetitive movements and excessive strain, and prolonged overuse of the hands can cause various diseases.

Dr. Min Seul-gi, director of Yonsei Severance Hospital and an orthopedic specialist, advised, "The hands are one of the most frequently used body parts in our daily lives. Since finger movement is essential for nearly all activities, persistent finger pain can significantly reduce our quality of life. Because different conditions can be suspected depending on the location of the pain, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential if the pain persists."

rheumatoid arthritis

If your fingers are stiff and difficult to straighten in the morning, and you experience symmetrical pain and swelling in the middle joints of both hands, you may have rheumatoid arthritis. This is an inflammatory condition that occurs when the immune system mistakes normal joint tissue for a foreign invader and attacks it. As rheumatoid arthritis worsens, it can cause deformities in the finger joints, making it difficult to bend or straighten them. In the early stages, symptoms can be alleviated with medication and management, and treatment can be performed without significant disruption to daily life.

 

Finger osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the fingers occurs primarily with age, when the cartilage in the finger joints wears down and becomes damaged. It can also develop at a younger age due to repetitive hand use or genetic factors. Pain is typically felt in the fingertips and second joints, and the joints become thickened. Symptoms and pain are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis, but are localized to the areas of cartilage wear. Treatment focuses on reducing frequent hand activities and alleviating pain and maintaining joint function through medications or physical therapy.

 

Wrist Tenosynovitis (De Quervain's Syndrome)

Wrist tenosynovitis is a condition that causes pain when moving the thumb or rotating the wrist. It is caused by inflammation of the tendons from repetitive wrist and finger movements, especially those involving the thumb. Activities such as using a smartphone, typing, and lifting heavy objects can cause inflammation by placing excessive stress on the wrist tendons.

The key to treatment is to give your wrist sufficient rest. Wearing a wrist brace or wrist band can limit wrist movement and reduce stress on the tendons. This is especially helpful for those who work long hours.

One effective treatment is extracorporeal shock wave therapy. It is effective for ligament and tendon disorders, increasing blood circulation and reducing inflammation, thereby activating tissue regeneration cells and promoting rapid recovery.

trigger finger syndrome

If you feel a sharp snapping or catching sensation when bending or straightening your fingers, you may have trigger finger syndrome. Pain is most commonly felt in the third, fourth, and thumb fingers.

This condition occurs when friction occurs between the tendons of the fingers and the pulleys surrounding them, causing them to become entangled or trapped. In severe cases, the pain can be accompanied by a clicking sound or resistance when bending or straightening the finger, which is then relieved by the sudden release of the finger.

Initially, symptoms may improve by reducing excessive use of the fingers and resting them. This will reduce friction, reduce swollen tendons or pulleys, and widen the passageways.

 

Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC)

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a complex structure located on the little finger side of the wrist. It is a triangular-shaped structure composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. It can be damaged by excessive force applied during wrist bending or rotation.

If you experience persistent wrist pain without any reason after an injury, or if you feel pain accompanied by a popping sound when you rotate your wrist, you may have a TFCC injury.

Pain worsens when bending or turning the wrist, and can also occur when standing up on the floor, turning doorknobs, or lifting objects. Pressing on the wrist area near the little finger can be painful, and swelling and numbness in the little finger may occur.

TFCC injuries can occur unexpectedly, but they can be prevented through exercises that strengthen wrist flexibility and strength. If an injury does occur, it's important to immediately apply ice, immobilize the wrist with a compression bandage, and ensure adequate rest.

Dr. Min emphasized, "Minor pain in the hands can cause significant inconvenience in daily life. It's important to reduce excessive hand use and seek appropriate treatment tailored to your individual condition. Hands are sensitive to treatment, so even if pain improves, relapse is likely if you continue to overuse them. Proper care and prevention are essential for maintaining hand health, and caution must be taken to avoid overuse."

 

 

<Source: Donga.com>