Simple hand pain while opening jars or using phones could point to arthritis, doctor warns

Regular difficulty opening a jar, turning a doorknob, holding a cup, or scrolling on a phone can be an early sign of hand arthritis. Dr Harekrushna Sahu, an orthopaedics and spine surgery expert at Manipal Hospital in Bhubaneswar, says recurring joint pain, stiffness, or swelling in the hands should not be ignored.

Types and Symptoms

Hand arthritis is not just one single condition. Different types like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and injury-related arthritis can cause pain and restricted movement. The exact pattern of affected joints helps doctors tell these types apart. A grating or crackling sensation during movement can point to osteoarthritis, while a joint that becomes suddenly hot, red, and severely swollen needs urgent medical help, especially if a fever develops.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors assess hand arthritis by checking joint movement, looking at symptom patterns, and using specific tests. X-rays help spot joint space narrowing and bone changes for osteoarthritis, while blood tests for rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, and uric acid help check for rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Treatment varies by type and severity. Options include medicines, splints, physiotherapy, injections, and sometimes surgery.

Context

Arthritis is a common condition affecting joints, and early medical advice helps manage symptoms before they limit daily tasks. Medical experts use a mix of physical exams, patient history, and targeted tests to confirm the exact root cause of joint pain.