Hand made up of 27 bones... Which joint diseases are suspected based on the area of pain?

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

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

It's amazing how joint diseases vary so much depending on the area of pain felt in the hand.

Other diseases besides arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are quite unfamiliar to me.

Because the suspected diseases vary depending on the area of pain in the hand

If the pain persists, never ignore it; be sure to check and receive the appropriate treatment.

 

 

The hand is composed of a total of 27 small bones that form complex joints. Because the hand itself requires very precise movements, it performs various tasks through a wide range of motions, making it move very frequently.

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

Min Seul-gi, Director of Yonsei Star Hospital (Orthopedic Specialist), advised, "The hand is one of the parts we use most frequently in daily life. Since finger movement is essential for almost all activities, persistent pain in the fingers can significantly reduce quality of life. Different diseases may be suspected depending on the area of pain in the hand, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary if the pain persists."

Rheumatoid arthritis

If in the morning your fingers feel stiff, difficult to straighten, and the middle joints of both hands are painful and swollen symmetrically, rheumatoid arthritis may be suspected. This disease is an inflammatory condition caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking normal joint tissues as foreign invaders. As rheumatoid arthritis worsens, deformities in the finger joints can occur, making it impossible to bend or straighten them. In the early stages, symptoms can be alleviated with medication and management, allowing treatment without significant difficulty in daily life.

 

Finger osteoarthritis

Finger osteoarthritis mainly occurs as the cartilage in the finger joints wears down and becomes damaged with age. It can also appear at a young age due to repetitive hand use or genetic factors. The pain primarily occurs at the tips of the fingers and the second joint, and the joints become swollen. The symptoms and pain are similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but pain is localized only in the areas where the cartilage has worn away. Treatment involves reducing frequently used hand activities, alleviating pain through medication or physical therapy, and maintaining joint function.

 

Wrist Tendinitis (De Quervain's Syndrome)

Wrist tenosynovitis is a condition characterized by pain when moving the thumb or rotating the wrist, caused by inflammation of the tendons due to repetitive use of the wrist and fingers, especially frequent use of the thumb. Activities such as using smartphones, typing on a keyboard, and lifting heavy objects place excessive and continuous stress on the wrist tendons, leading to inflammation.

The key to treatment is to allow the wrist to rest sufficiently. Wearing a wrist brace or band restricts wrist movement and reduces the strain on the tendons. This is especially helpful for people who work long hours professionally.

One effective treatment method is extracorporeal shock wave therapy. It is effective for ligament and tendon disorders, increases blood circulation, alleviates inflammation, and promotes tissue regeneration cell activation and rapid recovery.

Trigger finger syndrome

If you feel a snapping or catching sensation when bending or straightening your fingers, it may be a sign of trigger finger syndrome. Pain commonly occurs in the third, fourth, and thumb fingers.

This condition occurs when friction develops between the tendons of the fingers and the pulley that surrounds them, leading to the tendons becoming entangled or catching. When the pain is severe, a 'snap' sound or resistance may be felt when bending or straightening the finger, and there is a characteristic sudden release of the finger that alleviates the pain.

Initially, reducing excessive use of the fingers and taking rest can decrease friction, leading to a reduction in swelling of the tendons or bursae, and the passageway may widen, resulting in symptom improvement.

 

Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC)

The Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is a complex structure located on the ulnar side of the wrist, consisting of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, forming a triangular shape. It can be damaged when excessive force is applied during wrist bending or rotation movements.

If you experience persistent wrist pain without reason after an injury, or if you feel pain accompanied by a 'pop' sound when rotating your wrist, you may suspect TFCC injury.

Pain worsens when bending or rotating the wrist, and pain occurs when pushing off the ground, turning door handles, or lifting objects. Pressing on the wrist area near the little finger causes tenderness, and swelling may occur along with numbness in the little finger.

TFCC injuries can occur unexpectedly, but they can be prevented through exercises that strengthen wrist flexibility and muscle strength. Additionally, if an injury occurs, it is necessary to immediately apply ice, immobilize the wrist with a compression bandage, and take appropriate rest.

Director Min emphasized, "Small pains in the hands can cause significant inconvenience in daily life. It is important to reduce excessive hand use and to pursue treatment tailored to the individual's condition. Since the hands are sensitive areas for treatment, even if the pain improves, overusing them again can easily lead to recurrence. Regular proper care and prevention are necessary for hand health, and caution should be exercised to avoid overusing the hands."

 

 

<Source: DongA.com>