Joint Pain in Hands

Pain in various joints of the hand may be due to different reasons.

One possibility is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is an autoimmune disorder affecting various joints, especially hand joints. This disease is an inflammatory response of the body against its own self.

The synovial lining of the joint gets affected, leading to swelling and puffiness in the joints. Joints may also get red, painful and warm. RA is more common among women and diagnosed by the presence of Rheumatoid factor in the blood, in conjunction with physical examination and x-ray. Treatment includes NSAIDs painkillers such as ibuprofen (Motrin), Advil and drugs like methotrexate.

Other autoimmune disorders like SLE (lupus) and scleroderma also need to be ruled out. Here, various different joints of the body get affected, hands being the commonest ones. Joints become so soft, as if getting dissolved. Hands are unable to perform their functions like holding objects. Diagnostic tests include specialized antibody assays. Their treatment involves immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide.

Medical Advice (Q&As) on “Joint Pain in Hands

  1. Nayna

    I have PCOD. Got pain in joints of fingers and lower back from 4 months. Got blood test done. Uric acid 4.6 RA factor negative and esr is 48. Last year got chikungunya fever. Is it its effect or is it arthritis? Which type?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Uric acid levels are normal. Since RA factor is negative, it’s difficult for the condition to be rheumatoid.

      You are suffering from some kind of arthritis. Arthritis is inflammation (pain and swelling) in the joints. There are many different causes for it. It may be autoimmune or infectious. The condition needs to be investigated further. You need to see a rheumatologist for this.

      It is unlikely to be due to your past illness, however, this also needs to be excluded.

      Reply
  2. Smita Samal

    Dear sir,
    I found one small cyst inside my throat. Exactly I did not know what it is. It did not pain also only swelling appear in through.
    Give any suggestion.

    Reply

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