The hand and wrist are comprised of multiple small joints that work together to produce many intricate motions, from threading a needle to turning a key in a door. When joints become affected with arthritis, the activities of daily living can be very difficult. When a joint becomes arthritic, the cartilage has worn away and the joint can no longer function smoothly with the bones gliding easily over each other. Movement is painful and the range of motion is reduced.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis or wear and tear arthritis, which generally affects people over 50. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic form of the disease that causes significant joint inflammation that can damage cartilage and bone.
Traumatic arthritis can affect people of any age and may occur as a result of an injury or trauma to the joint. A joint that has sustained an injury is more likely to become arthritic, even if the injury has been properly treated. Fractures that damage the cartilage or joint surface and dislocations are the most common injuries that lead to arthritis.
