What Causes Pain in the Hand Joints?
May 16, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Ge
Introduction
Tenosynovitis: Individuals who engage in prolonged finger-intensive work are particularly prone to developing tenosynovitis, which causes pain.
Osteophytosis (bone spur formation): This typically occurs at the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers. Its primary symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and the presence of osteophytes (bone spurs) within the joint. It predominantly affects individuals aged 40 years and older; initially, one or several fingers may be involved, with subsequent progression to involve additional fingers.
Pain in the finger joints caused by overexertion, strain, or cold-damp invasion is the most common contributing factor.
Individuals who perform prolonged manual tasks involving the fingers are particularly prone to developing tenosynovitis. This condition arises from repetitive friction of the tendons, leading to inflammation of the tendon sheath and subsequent pain.
Osteophyte formation (bone spurs) typically occurs at the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers, though it may also affect the proximal interphalangeal joints in some individuals. Key symptoms include finger joint pain, swelling, and palpable bone spurs within the joint. It predominantly affects individuals aged 40 years and older. Initially, osteophyte formation may involve one or several fingers, gradually progressing to involve additional digits. Morning stiffness in the finger joints is common upon waking but is typically brief—lasting less than 20 minutes.
Osteoarthritis results from cumulative mechanical stress and degenerative tissue changes; it is a common joint disorder frequently affecting the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the hands. It commonly occurs in middle-aged and elderly individuals who are overweight or obese. Primary symptoms include joint pain and stiffness; in more advanced cases, joint swelling and muscle atrophy may develop.
